How to Get Rid of a Mite Infestation
Mite infestation can be one of the most unsettling experience anyone can endure at home. However, the good news is that they can easily be controlled especially if not allowed to propagate to unmanageable levels. Today, there are thousands of mite species that feed on a variety of foods such as animals, plants, decaying materials, and even on other mites. This diversity means that each type has a unique method of elimination.
This post will walk you through seven effective ways on how to get rid of a mite infestation in your house.
1. Clean your fabrics
Typically, mites love hiding in fabrics especially in areas where you spend most of your time while in the house. This means common household fabrics such as blankets, pillowcases, curtains, and beddings should be some of your prime targets when controlling mite infestation. You will need to clean these materials every 1-2 weeks using hot water which helps to kill them.
2. Use your vacuum cleaner more often
This method is quite effective when used to get rid of dust mites, one of the most common types of mites in most homes today. It has been found that bugs tend to thrive better in dust, and thus this method interferes with the same by helping to keep your house dust-free.
3. Lower the humidity in your house
Naturally, mites do well in warmer environments that have higher humidity. This means that negating these conditions will make it difficult for them to multiply. Maintaining your homes humidity level below 50 percent will help to deter their productivity. You can use a dehumidifier and a typical air conditioner to lower the humidity and temperature in your house respectively.
4. Use diatomaceous earth
This is a natural product that works best in controlling a clover mite infestation. Clover mites might not pose any real threat to human or pets, but their sight in your house can be a nuisance to you. Usually, they feed on plants and thus will be attracted to fence rows and plants growing around your home. However, sprinkling diatomaceous earth on common entry points such as windows, doors and crevices will prevent them from accessing your home. The product coats the mites thereby killing them.
5. Use mineral oil
This method is best suited to get rid of ear mites that mostly attacks your pets such as dogs and cats. Using an ear syringe or an eye dropper, apply the mineral oil on the inner area of your pet's ear while rubbing gently using your thumb. You may want to conduct this process outside the house to avoid oil spillages on the carpet and furniture.
6. Use natural repellents
Some of the effective natural repellents for common mite infestations include tea tree oil, neem oil, and apple cider vinegar. In addition to acting as effective mite eliminating agents, the three can also be used to treat skin irritations caused by these organisms.
7. Use chemicals (insecticides)
If the mite infestation in your home is pretty high, then chemical treatment will be the best option for you. There are numerous chemical treatment options in the market, and thus it is important that you make a good decision here. Only go for those with majority positive reviews and are widely accepted.
However, for the case of chemical treatment, it is recommended that you hire a professional mite exterminator since the process might require a little more skills for best results. Remember some of these mites such as dust and ear species are very stubborn to eradicate once they've infested your home. Seeking the services of a professional will help to prevent the mites from becoming resistant to chemicals which are common (and potentially disastrous) cases when the practice is not performed correctly from the beginning.