As a homeowner, you don’t want to deal with dust mites or mould mites. But, unfortunately, they are both common in households across the UK. While the two pests are often confused with one another, they are quite different.

Because they look similar and symptoms can be similar, it can be extremely difficult to tell the difference. But knowing which type of mite you are dealing with is important for the treatment and control.

In this blog, we explain the difference between the two types of mites and provide practical solutions for managing or eliminating them.

What Are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are close relatives to spiders and ticks. They are microscopic creatures that feed off dead skin cells. Due to their size, you can’t see them unless using a microscope. When under a microscope, they will look very small and spider-like.

They are often found where there is a build-up of dead skin cells that you shed throughout the day. Prime locations are bedding, furniture and carpets. Rugs and stuffed toys are also common places to find dust mites.

These mites don’t actually bite you, but they can cause a reaction.

Common symptoms of dust mites include:

• sneezing
• coughing
• postnasal drip
• runny or stuffy nose
• itchy, watery eyes
• red, itchy skin
• itchy throat
• fatigue
• sleeping difficulties

Dust mites tend to favour hot and humid conditions, therefore, you might find symptoms worsen during the summer months when your home is warmer, as there will be more of them buried in your upholstery.

Completely eliminating dust mites from your home can be tricky, but you can certainly reduce them by regularly washing bedding in hot temperatures, frequently vacuuming, wet mopping and dusting areas.

What Are Mould Mites?

Similar to dust mites, mould mites are part of the same family as ticks and spiders, Arachnida.

They are estimated to be around 0.3mm, making them almost impossible to see to the naked eye – just like dust mites. However, once under the microscope, their appearance differs. Mould mites are whiter in colour and are covered in longer hairs.

Additionally, unlike dust mites, they feed off mould and fungi, meaning they are found in humid and damp conditions. This means they are often found in damp walls, bathrooms or basements.

Similar to dust mites, these pests don’t bite you or your pets, meaning they aren’t a danger to your health. However, they can often trigger symptoms, making them a nuisance.

Symptoms can include:

• Respiratory problems
• Skin irritation
• Asthma and sinus problems
• Contamination of food and environments

On top of these symptoms, they are also a signifier of moisture and damp in your home, which should be investigated and resolved quickly to prevent further damage.

When treating mould and damp problems in your home, you should be able to eradicate mould mites from the property.

Key Differences Between Dust Mites and Mould Mites

While the symptoms are similar and they are both difficult to see, the main features of the pests offer key differences between the two types of mites.

Habitat

Dust Mites: Warm, humid environments

Mould Mites: Damp, mouldy surfaces

Diet

Dust Mites: Skin flakes from humans

Mould Mites: Mould and fungi

Appearance

Dust Mites: Oval, transparent bodies

Mould Mites: Whitish, hairy bodies

Health Affects

Dust Mites: Allergy & asthma triggers

Mould Mites: Respiratory & mould allergies

These differences show where you can find each type of mite and imply the treatments.

How to Identify and Manage Each Type

Identifying dust mites will typically be through the symptoms experienced, such as sneezing and itchy eyes, as they are too small to see without a microscope.

However, you will likely be able to identify the presence of mould mites through visible mould and clusters of tiny white mites.

As mentioned above, the management of the two types of mites differ because of where they live.

To manage dust mites, you will need to wash bedding, dust and vacuum frequently.

Meanwhile, to remove mould mites from your property, you will need to address the mould issues. This means identifying the root cause of the damp and mould and fixing it, as well as drying any damp spaces, improving ventilation and cleaning the areas.

Trust Prokil Mould Treatment to Remove Mould Mites

Dust mites are common in homes because they feed off human skin cells that are found on upholstered furniture, such as bedding and carpets. This makes them incredibly difficult to completely remove from the property.

However, mould mites live off mould and fungi found in damp areas of the home. This means with the correct damp and mould treatment, they can be eliminated and a new infestation prevented.

At Prokil, we offer effective mould removal and treatment across the South Coast.

Starting with a site survey, we will assess where the mould is and determine a course of action to remove it.

We will then draw up a comprehensive and competitive quote that will be easy to understand and clear, so there are no hidden costs for you when it comes to pay.

When you are happy with the quote, we will arrange a date and time to complete the work, treating all visually affected surfaces and ensuring all mould areas are completely sterilised.

We can also install mould prevention solutions, offering two types of ventilation systems that prevent the build-up of moisture and damp.

With over 50 years of experience in treating mould, our accredited team are efficient at what they do and will ensure a smooth and friendly service that gives you confidence your home is free from damp, mould and mould mites.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you remove mould mites from your home with mould treatment and prevention solutions. Call us on 0800 048 9488 or complete our online contact form to request a callback from our experts.