House dust mites (2067)

Key points below


What are house dust mites?House mites 1

House dust mites are tiny insects that live and grow in house dust. Dust mites eat dead skin cells. They are found in places like pillows, mattresses, carpet, stuffed toys and upholstered furniture.

How do they affect people?

House dust mites can cause allergy symptoms in children and adults. Skin testing can be done to detect a dust mite allergy.

House mites 2   House mites 3

How can they be controlled?

There are many things that can be done to reduce dust mites in the home. Try these things to help improve symptoms:

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.