Dust Mite Allergy A dust mite allergy is an immune system
reaction to the proteins that dust mites shed. Signs of dust
mite allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing
and runny nose. Dust mites, relatives of the spider, are too
small to see without a microscope. Where Dust Mites Live: Mites
are found in pillows, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered
furniture. They thrive in temperatures between 68 and 77
degrees, the range that most of our homes are kept. Dust mites
live by eating tiny flakes of skin and pet dander, which
comprise a large portion of house dust. Dust mite symptoms are
often confused with other allergies. One study reported by the
Boston Globe estimates that people lose from 30,000 to 40,000
skin cells per hour, which comes out to nearly one million per
day. If you have pets, the number of dead skin cells in your
home is even greater. While their primary food is dead skin,
dust mites are not averse to eating small particles from pet
food, cereal, breadcrumbs or other food. Foo