The house dust mite is a tiny scavenger that thrives in homes all over the world
The invisible enemy
House dust mites are related to spiders and, like spiders, they have eight legs. They are found in 90% of homes, and they can colonise a brand new home within a year. House dust mites are the most important indoor allergen but, at just 0.2 mm in diameter, they are barely visible to most people.
Typical symptoms include blocked nose, especially at night and in the morning after exposure to the mites that live in our bedding.
Year-round disease
People suffering from house dust mite allergy often feel tired and fatigued. They sleep restlessly and are often woken by breathing difficulties. Many also snore and experience a dry mouth and throat, or they wake up coughing.
Unlike pollen allergies, which are seasonal, house dust mites are present all year round, making them hard to avoid.
Respiratory allergens, especially those from house dust mites, can cause allergic asthma.