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Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that commonly live in house dust. They feed on flakes of dead skin, or dander, that are shed by people and pets. These tiny creatures are a big source of allergens and can worsen allergies and asthma. Dust mites can live in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains in your home.

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Cockroaches are another source of indoor allergens. Researchers have found a link between the presence of cockroaches and an increase in the severity of asthma symptoms. These pests are most frequently found in urban areas and older dwellings.

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Treatment

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Traditional medications, such as antihistamines and inhaled steroids, may provide short-term control of allergy or asthma symptoms caused by dust mites or cockroaches. Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots and tablets, can change the body\u2019s immune response to allergens and may offer long-term control.¹ People who suspect they are allergic to dust mites or cockroaches can see their doctor and get tested.

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Dust Mite Prevention Strategies

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No matter how clean a home is, dust mites cannot be completely eliminated. However, the number of dust mites can be reduced by doing the following.

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Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity levels at, or below, 50 percent.
Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers.
Wash all bedding and blankets once a week in hot water, 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to kill dust mites. Non-washable bedding can be frozen overnight.
Replace wool or feathered bedding products with synthetic materials, and traditional stuffed animals with washable ones.
In bedrooms, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with bare floors, and remove fabric curtains and upholstered furniture, whenever possible.
Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Never use a dry cloth, as it stirs up allergens.
Use a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.
Wear a mask while vacuuming, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes after vacuuming, to allow dust and allergens to settle.

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Cockroach Prevention Strategies

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Keep food and garbage in closed, tight-lidded containers.
Do not leave food, dirty dishes, or pet food and bowls out on countertops or floors.
Mop the kitchen floor and wash countertops at least once a week.
Fix leaky faucets and drain pipes.
Fill crevices around the house through which cockroaches may enter.
Limit the spread of food around the house, especially in bedrooms.
Use bait stations and other environmentally safe pesticides to prevent or reduce cockroach infestation.

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\n \n American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. 2014. Allergy Immunotherapy. [accessed 09/21/2018]. [Available: American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. 2014. Allergy Immunotherapy. [accessed 09/21/2018].] \n
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Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that commonly live in house dust. They feed on flakes of dead skin, or dander, that are shed by people and pets. These tiny creatures are a big source of allergens and can worsen allergies and asthma. Dust mites can live in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains in your home.

\n

Cockroaches are another source of indoor allergens. Researchers have found a link between the presence of cockroaches and an increase in the severity of asthma symptoms. These pests are most frequently found in urban areas and older dwellings.

\n

Treatment

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Traditional medications, such as antihistamines and inhaled steroids, may provide short-term control of allergy or asthma symptoms caused by dust mites or cockroaches. Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots and tablets, can change the body\u2019s immune response to allergens and may offer long-term control.¹ People who suspect they are allergic to dust mites or cockroaches can see their doctor and get tested.

\n

Dust Mite Prevention Strategies

\n

No matter how clean a home is, dust mites cannot be completely eliminated. However, the number of dust mites can be reduced by doing the following.

\n

\n \n

\n

Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity levels at, or below, 50 percent.
Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers.
Wash all bedding and blankets once a week in hot water, 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to kill dust mites. Non-washable bedding can be frozen overnight.
Replace wool or feathered bedding products with synthetic materials, and traditional stuffed animals with washable ones.
In bedrooms, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with bare floors, and remove fabric curtains and upholstered furniture, whenever possible.
Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Never use a dry cloth, as it stirs up allergens.
Use a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.
Wear a mask while vacuuming, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes after vacuuming, to allow dust and allergens to settle.

\n

Cockroach Prevention Strategies

\n

Keep food and garbage in closed, tight-lidded containers.
Do not leave food, dirty dishes, or pet food and bowls out on countertops or floors.
Mop the kitchen floor and wash countertops at least once a week.
Fix leaky faucets and drain pipes.
Fill crevices around the house through which cockroaches may enter.
Limit the spread of food around the house, especially in bedrooms.
Use bait stations and other environmentally safe pesticides to prevent or reduce cockroach infestation.

\n

Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that commonly live in house dust. They feed on flakes of dead skin, or dander, that are shed by people and pets. These tiny creatures are a big source of allergens and can worsen allergies and asthma. Dust mites can live in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains in your home.

\n

Cockroaches are another source of indoor allergens. Researchers have found a link between the presence of cockroaches and an increase in the severity of asthma symptoms. These pests are most frequently found in urban areas and older dwellings.

\n

Treatment

\n

Traditional medications, such as antihistamines and inhaled steroids, may provide short-term control of allergy or asthma symptoms caused by dust mites or cockroaches. Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots and tablets, can change the body\u2019s immune response to allergens and may offer long-term control.¹ People who suspect they are allergic to dust mites or cockroaches can see their doctor and get tested.

\n

Dust Mite Prevention Strategies

\n

No matter how clean a home is, dust mites cannot be completely eliminated. However, the number of dust mites can be reduced by doing the following.

\n

\n \n

\n

Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity levels at, or below, 50 percent.
Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers.
Wash all bedding and blankets once a week in hot water, 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to kill dust mites. Non-washable bedding can be frozen overnight.
Replace wool or feathered bedding products with synthetic materials, and traditional stuffed animals with washable ones.
In bedrooms, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with bare floors, and remove fabric curtains and upholstered furniture, whenever possible.
Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Never use a dry cloth, as it stirs up allergens.
Use a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.
Wear a mask while vacuuming, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes after vacuuming, to allow dust and allergens to settle.

\n

Cockroach Prevention Strategies

\n

Keep food and garbage in closed, tight-lidded containers.
Do not leave food, dirty dishes, or pet food and bowls out on countertops or floors.
Mop the kitchen floor and wash countertops at least once a week.
Fix leaky faucets and drain pipes.
Fill crevices around the house through which cockroaches may enter.
Limit the spread of food around the house, especially in bedrooms.
Use bait stations and other environmentally safe pesticides to prevent or reduce cockroach infestation.

\n

Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that commonly live in house dust. They feed on flakes of dead skin, or dander, that are shed by people and pets. These tiny creatures are a big source of allergens and can worsen allergies and asthma. Dust mites can live in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains in your home.

\n

Cockroaches are another source of indoor allergens. Researchers have found a link between the presence of cockroaches and an increase in the severity of asthma symptoms. These pests are most frequently found in urban areas and older dwellings.

\n

Treatment

\n

Traditional medications, such as antihistamines and inhaled steroids, may provide short-term control of allergy or asthma symptoms caused by dust mites or cockroaches. Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots and tablets, can change the body\u2019s immune response to allergens and may offer long-term control.¹ People who suspect they are allergic to dust mites or cockroaches can see their doctor and get tested.

\n

Dust Mite Prevention Strategies

\n

No matter how clean a home is, dust mites cannot be completely eliminated. However, the number of dust mites can be reduced by doing the following.

\n

\n \n

\n

Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity levels at, or below, 50 percent.
Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers.
Wash all bedding and blankets once a week in hot water, 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to kill dust mites. Non-washable bedding can be frozen overnight.
Replace wool or feathered bedding products with synthetic materials, and traditional stuffed animals with washable ones.
In bedrooms, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with bare floors, and remove fabric curtains and upholstered furniture, whenever possible.
Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Never use a dry cloth, as it stirs up allergens.
Use a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.
Wear a mask while vacuuming, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes after vacuuming, to allow dust and allergens to settle.

\n

Cockroach Prevention Strategies

\n

Keep food and garbage in closed, tight-lidded containers.
Do not leave food, dirty dishes, or pet food and bowls out on countertops or floors.
Mop the kitchen floor and wash countertops at least once a week.
Fix leaky faucets and drain pipes.
Fill crevices around the house through which cockroaches may enter.
Limit the spread of food around the house, especially in bedrooms.
Use bait stations and other environmentally safe pesticides to prevent or reduce cockroach infestation.

\n

Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that commonly live in house dust. They feed on flakes of dead skin, or dander, that are shed by people and pets. These tiny creatures are a big source of allergens and can worsen allergies and asthma. Dust mites can live in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains in your home.

\n

Cockroaches are another source of indoor allergens. Researchers have found a link between the presence of cockroaches and an increase in the severity of asthma symptoms. These pests are most frequently found in urban areas and older dwellings.

\n

Treatment

\n

Traditional medications, such as antihistamines and inhaled steroids, may provide short-term control of allergy or asthma symptoms caused by dust mites or cockroaches. Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots and tablets, can change the body\u2019s immune response to allergens and may offer long-term control.¹ People who suspect they are allergic to dust mites or cockroaches can see their doctor and get tested.

\n

Dust Mite Prevention Strategies

\n

No matter how clean a home is, dust mites cannot be completely eliminated. However, the number of dust mites can be reduced by doing the following.

\n

\n \n

\n

Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity levels at, or below, 50 percent.
Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers.
Wash all bedding and blankets once a week in hot water, 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, to kill dust mites. Non-washable bedding can be frozen overnight.
Replace wool or feathered bedding products with synthetic materials, and traditional stuffed animals with washable ones.
In bedrooms, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with bare floors, and remove fabric curtains and upholstered furniture, whenever possible.
Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Never use a dry cloth, as it stirs up allergens.
Use a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.
Wear a mask while vacuuming, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes after vacuuming, to allow dust and allergens to settle.

\n

Cockroach Prevention Strategies

\n

Keep food and garbage in closed, tight-lidded containers.
Do not leave food, dirty dishes, or pet food and bowls out on countertops or floors.
Mop the kitchen floor and wash countertops at least once a week.
Fix leaky faucets and drain pipes.
Fill crevices around the house through which cockroaches may enter.
Limit the spread of food around the house, especially in bedrooms.
Use bait stations and other environmentally safe pesticides to prevent or reduce cockroach infestation.

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