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Have you ever noticed that some people start sneezing and scratching their noses instantly when entering certain environments? Well, that's a reaction of our immune system to hypersensitivity to mites. This microscopic being, present in the air we breathe, is responsible for respiratory allergies that affect a large part of the world population.
In this article, we will explore the different types of mites, dispel common misconceptions about them, and discuss the risks they pose to human health and how to prevent infestations.
Mites are tiny arachnids that belong to the Acari order. They are millimetric, invertebrate creatures, resembling a tick in appearance. To date, 50,000 species have been cataloged, and acarologists believe this number does not even represent half of the types of mites that exist.
House dust mites are cosmopolitan, meaning they are found worldwide. These small arachnids are found in a wide range of environments, including soil, water, and even on the bodies of plants and animals. However, they require high temperatures and humidity to survive and reproduce, which makes them less common in cold environments or those with controlled air humidity. Unlike other types of arachnids, mites have a very reduced body, which has facilitated their adaptation and development in a variety of places in nature, some of them have even evolved unique adaptations, such as the ability to live symbiotically with other organisms.
As previously mentioned, there are numerous species of mites, each with their own unique characteristics and habits, some of them are:
Both siro and Tyrophagus putrescentiae can be found in stored products such as cereals, vegetables, and seeds, where they are known as 'flour mites'.
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Common in tropical or subtropical regions, it mainly lives in household dust and places where products are stored, such as kitchen pantries.
These represent the second most abundant mite species in nature, also present in household environments like carpets, mattresses, pillows, and bedding.
Found in food and grain warehouses, it can cause stock losses, financial damage, and the development of dermatitis in workers who frequent these places daily.
Also known as the red spider mite, this microscopic species can reduce productivity by up to 75% due to yellowing and necrosis in leaves and fruits. It affects crops like cotton, garlic, peanuts, onions, peas, beans, chili peppers, black pepper, okra, and tomatoes.
These microorganisms are the cause of scabies in animals such as dogs, cats, sheep, goats, birds, among others. After fertilization, it burrows under the skin of the host, laying eggs at the tip. From these eggs, six-legged larvae emerge and live on swollen skin.
These mites inhabit the follicles of mammals, residing particularly in the sebaceous glands of our skin. The follicle mite, commonly referred to by this name, is prevalent on the skin of dogs. While immunity generally regulates the follicle mite population in most dogs, those with compromised immunity, such as puppies, may experience uncontrolled growth, leading to some diseases, such as scabies.
External parasites that affect birds. Passerines (such as canaries, finches) and parakeets are the most affected by this type of mite.
Despite its crucial importance for the balance of nature, dust mites can indeed be harmful to health. The likelihood of developing or exacerbating certain diseases due to their presence is particularly high indoors, where domestic species live and feed on human skin scales.
When inhaled, dust mites trigger an exaggerated reaction in the immune system. Once in the airways, they come into contact with antibodies, which recognize them as a threat and initiate an inflammatory process.
Affects 26% of children and 30% of teenagers and presents symptoms such as itching in the eyes and nose, sneezing, and dry cough, which not only cause discomfort but also interfere with sleep and decrease productivity. Even skin diseases caused by moisture, such as Atopic Dermatitis, may be associated.
Although also exacerbated by a large number of dust mites, asthma has a symptom that distinguishes it from others: wheezing, caused by narrowing of the bronchioles.
Itchy and red eyes, swelling of the eyelids, sensitivity to light, and a burning sensation indicate that something is wrong. However, in this case, they are intermittent and can last for hours or months. This disease is usually associated with rhinitis and is therefore also known as rhinoconjunctivitis.
However, what few people know is that our habits and how we care for indoor air quality can either favor or prevent dust mite proliferation. As the environment, such as a bedroom where you sleep, becomes more humid, poorly ventilated, and receives only natural light from the window, the chance of a dust mite infestation increases.
Excess humidity is the main factor necessary for the accelerated reproduction of dust mites; water in the form of vapor provides essential conditions for the life of this microorganism. And for its survival, it also feeds on dead skin, so dust mite droppings are found in large quantities on items such as stuffed animals, carpets, mattresses, carpets, pillows, cushions, sofas, and even household dust.
Taking care of the humidity of the air we breathe is the best way to avoid dust mites and prevent diseases caused by them. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is ideal to maintain humidity between 50%-60%. Above that, any environment becomes conducive to the reproduction of dust mites and fungi, organisms that also cause respiratory diseases and loss of goods.
Furthermore, measures such as keeping doors and windows of the rooms open during the day, changing bed linen frequently, and cleaning with a vacuum cleaner at least once a week are advised. Additionally, reducing the number of rugs and curtains in the rooms is also recommended, as well as using a dehumidifier to control the humidity of the environment.
Another overlooked place is the bathroom. But in this environment, the focus of dust mites is bath and face towels. Since they stay damp for a long time, proliferation can increase, so avoid leaving them poorly spread out or folded wet. The tip is to use a Dehumidifier after bathing, so your towel will be dry in a few hours.
The use of a Dehumidifier is the best solution, especially to prevent allergic crises. It is a practical device that has been on the market for over 40 years and can be placed in any environment.
Research shows that a Dehumidifier retains up to 90% of suspended particles. This air enters through the equipment, and all dust mites are trapped inside. Clean and quality air is returned to the environment. A simple filter cleaning a few days later will show all the household dust you have avoided breathing!
The Desidrat air dehumidifier is a great ally in health care, but medical follow-up and correct use of medications are of utmost importance. A modern and effective measure to ensure health and the quality of the air you breathe.
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