In some modern homes we have created perfect conditions for mites to thrive! Unwittingly we are actively encouraging them to live with us. Modern living conditions mean that we are now spending more time (up to 90%) indoors. We have made the indoor environment very comfortable and cosy with double-glazing, increased humidity from cooking, showers and baths and reduced ventilation (to keep in the warmth). All these, plus features like thick pile carpets, heavily padded furniture, soft toys, conventional beds and bedding are potentially ideal nesting sites for the mite. Beds are by far the most preferred areas for mites to breed as they are normally warm, dark, damp after sleep and will contain an abundant supply of discarded skin scales which we produce all the time and which are food for the HDM. |
