Managing the home environment

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Many with a mite infestation of the home/apt have no choice but to stay and fight. Some have moved and just brought this problem with them to their new residence. So it is important to come up with things that can be done in the home environment. Once you are aware of the mite's characteristics, you can more easily come up with effective strategies. This article is intended to help in that regard, and you are encouraged to add other suggestions you want people to know about.

Mites are more active in high humidity, so the home should have air conditioning and dehumidifiers when the weather is humid.

Mites are experts at hiding during the day, especially in the bedroom and bathroom. Carpet should be removed, especially in the bedroom when there has been a long-standing infestation. People have had better success with bare floors. Baseboards may need to be removed also. Or else the floor-wall joint should be caulked after the baseboards are temporarily removed.

Since walls need to be frequently wiped down, it is better to have semi-gloss wall paint. It is easier to clean and impervious to moisture stains compared to flat paint. Most baths have semi-gloss, but the bedroom and other rooms should have this also.

A Swifter wet mop sprayed with a good insecticide is very effective for walls, ceilings, and bare floors.

Clutter should be removed, such as stacks of magazines, newspapers, etc.

Get rid of infested furniture that cannot adequately be fumigated. A storage unit could be rented for fumigation, but some furniture seems to be more prone to reinfestation. Wooden chairs and lawn furniture can be alternatives, although not nearly as comfortable or fashionable.

All personal items should be kept in sealed storage bags with mothballs added. Some plastics are affected by mothballs, such as CD/DVD cases, so be careful with these.

Some have had to get rid of their pets, and this is the hardest aspect for many. There do not seem to be many solutions when the mites are affecting animals. Especially in the ears and eyes. Constant bathing can help the fur/skin and the vet can prescribe something that helps temporarily, but most have had no permanent fixes once mites have invaded the home.

Please feel free to add other tips that you have found helpful.