Do you suffer from dust mite allergies? If so, you’re not alone.
Millions of people around the world are affected by these tiny creatures. But there’s good news!
There are several natural ways to get rid of dust mites using substances you probably have in your home right now.
This article will show you how to use essential oils, borax, and other natural ingredients to eliminate dust mites from your home.
Table of Contents
What are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures that live in your home.
These microscopic arachnids feed on dead skin cells and are found in homes, offices, and schools.
In fact, it’s estimated that they infest 90% of the world’s population. They live in beds, pillows, carpeting, and even stuffed animals.
Their feces can be found in these areas as well. Unfortunately, they are an allergen for many people and can cause allergies and asthma.
They are found in almost every home and can be a severe health risk for some. Make sure your mattress is encased with a zip-up cover to keep dust mites from entering the mattress itself.
It will reinforce your bed and help kill dust mites.
What are the Natural Ways to Eliminate Dust Mites?
1. Borax
Borax is a natural insecticide you can use to kill all sorts of pests. It’s safe, non-toxic, and odorless. This substance works by dehydrating the pests and is available in many grocery and hardware stores for a very reasonable price.
To kill dust mites, place borax where you see the most activity, including your mattress and box spring, and it’s also effective on carpets and floors.
There are several ways you can use it to eliminate dust mites—Mix 1/3 cup of borax with 1 gallon of hot water.
Let the solution cool and pour it into your carpet cleaner. Then use the machine to clean your carpets.
In addition, you can sprinkle borax on your carpets and leave it overnight.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made up of the fossils of diatoms, tiny sea creatures.
It’s very abrasive, and when it comes into contact with pests, it causes them to lose moisture in their bodies.
This contact may cause them to dehydrate and die.
Diatomaceous earth is also suitable for getting rid of dust mites. You can sprinkle it on your carpets and floors and leave it overnight.
Vacuum the next day to eliminate any dead pests.
3. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is a natural pesticide that repels pests.
It’s a great alternative to expensive, chemical-based pesticides.
The pungent aroma of peppermint makes mites think there’s a predator nearby, and they’ll want to stay far away. It is available in the form of sprays or oil.
The oil mixture works best when you add it to water and spray the surface. Add it to your pet’s water bowl, or put a few drops on their collar before you let them outside.
You can mix some with water and spray it on your bedroom furniture to get rid of dust mites, or use it in an oil-based solution and spray it on your home furniture.
You can also add a few drops to dish soap and water and wash your floors with it.
4. Lemon peel and juice
Lemon is an excellent plant to eliminate dust mites because it can kill them on contact. The acidity in the lemon peel is so firm that it can kill dust mites, fleas, and bed bugs.
The only problem is that you will have to purchase lemon peels and then throw them away after use. This method is best for small areas like your bed or your mattress.
Remove the outer skin of a lemon, then microwave for about 30 seconds.
Allow it to cool, sprinkle it on your mattress and let it sit for two hours. Vacuum up the remains, and you’re done!
Lemon juice is another natural way to eliminate dust mites.
It contains natural acid that kills dust mites and their eggs on contact. If you want to eliminate dust mites from your mattress and pillows, spray lemon juice directly on them.
Allow it to sit for about one hour or until dry.
Alternatively, mix the juice with water in a spray bottle, then spray it on the mattress and pillows.
5. Vinegar
Vinegar is perfect for eliminating dust mites. It’s antibacterial and antifungal, killing those pesky dust mites.
Vinegar has a PH level of 2.4, which is acidic and will kill any pests it comes in contact with.
You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. It’s safe to use around your home and won’t leave a long-lasting scent.
Sprinkle the vinegar on your carpeting or upholstered furniture. Leave the vinegar overnight and then clean it with a vacuum cleaner in the morning.
6. Boric Acid
Boric acid is another excellent compound to kill dust mites. It’s odorless, tasteless, and won’t irritate your skin. It is also affordable, so it doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg to use in your home.
Boric acid is a stomach poison for dust mites, and it dehydrates them. It also kills other pests in your home, like ants, roaches, and silverfish. Be sure to check the label because boric acid can be harmful to pets.
Mix the boric acid with water in a 50/50 ratio. Use a spray bottle to spray the mixture on your carpeting, upholstery, and rugs.
Let it sit for about 12 hours, and then vacuum it up. Repeat this process once a week for the best results.
7. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural way to get rid of dust mites. It is a pesticide and insecticide that has antibacterial properties and will kill dust mites in your mattress.
The oil kills the mature adult and larvae stage of the dust mite by penetrating their outer shell. Mix ½ cup of water with three drops of tea tree oil and spray your mattress, pillows, and any other surface you find dust mites.
Let it air dry. The antibacterial properties will kill the dust mites over time and prevent them from reproducing or leaving behind a toxic environment.
8. Lavender Essential Oil
If you have allergies and asthma, you know how harmful the effects of dust mites can be.
You may be allergic to dust mites because it’s prevalent for people with allergies to be allergic to dust mites. It’s the reason why people who are allergic to dust mites should use lavender essential oil.
Lavender is a plant with natural properties for eliminating dust mites. It’s an excellent source for repelling and killing them.
The lavender essential oil has a strong smell that effectively repels dust mites. When you use lavender, you can expect a good night’s sleep without any allergic reactions from dust mites.
9. Baking Soda
Do you know that baking soda is very effective in eliminating dust mites? Baking soda is an excellent source for killing and repelling dust mites because it has natural properties that can eliminate them.
Dust mites are sensitive to baking soda because it contains natural minerals like calcium carbonate and bicarbonate.
These minerals are natural antiseptics, dehydrating dust mites and absorbing the moisture that encourages their growth.
Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one cup of warm water, pour this solution into a spray bottle, and use it to spray inside your mattress, pillows, and bedding.
10. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a natural insecticide derived from the leaves of eucalyptus trees. Its aroma is delightful and is good to use in diffusers or essential oil burners.
However, this oil is hazardous to dust mites, removing them from your mattress. Eucalyptus oil contains pinene, a toxin that is harmful to dust mites.
The poison kills the dust mites and their eggs. Add a few drops to the essential oil burner and place it in your bedroom. It will keep dust mites away.
You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your mattress. However, it would be best if you were careful not to use too much of it because it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Conclusion
You can get rid of dust mites naturally by using the methods stated earlier, keeping the humidity low, and regularly washing bedding in hot water.
By following these tips, you can live a dust-mite-free life and breathe easier knowing your home is clean and allergen-free.
