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Chemicals for dust mite control

April 8, 2003

I asked expert Sondra Cooley with National Allergy Supply to help me with this question. Here is her response:

The dust mites can be controlled by washing in hot water. But as we all know, mites choose to spend their time burrowing deep down in our mattresses, bedding, pillows, carpets, and furniture, all of which can not be washed in hot water. Some of the more common treatments are surface neutralizers or carpet cleaning products.

Dust Mite and Flea Control is a natural boron compound much like the Borax used in laundry. This compound is a safe, odorless, powdered substance that is not flammable. It quickly dissolves in tap water to become a powerful spray for carpets and upholstered furniture. Studies show that after eight weeks nearly every mite in the treated area was killed.

Tannic acid is used in the treatment of indoor allergens. It is especially beneficial in the treatment of cat allergen. Tannic acid is derived from oak leaves and originally was extracted to perform the task of tanning leather. It breaks down the proteins in many indoor allergens. Tannic acid solutions do not kill the dust mites, but they do neutralize the dust mite's waste particles.
Allersearch and X-Mite powder are popular treatments.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural product from crushed fossils of the freshwater organisms and marine life. This powder is used in many pest control applications. Continued breathing of this product should be avoided, so it should never be used on furniture or bedding of someone who is allergic.

Pyrethrins are botanical pesticide poisons from the chrysanthemum. It too is used in the pest control industry. Some people are actually allergic to pyrethrins. Some of the health concerns associated with this substance are allergic reactions, asthma attacks, dermatitis, and problems with the nervous system. Most physicians recommend a boron compound or tannic acid product for treatments.

Sondra Cooley
Training and Education Manager
National Allergy Supply

AllergyNursing.com recommends: The Anatomy of an Allergy-Free Bedroom (National Allergy Newsletter, October, 2005.) I'm proud to recommend these quality products from National Allergy Supply. Read my comments about this advertiser here .