Dust mites are in virtually every home, but for a large number people they can cause huge problems. These microscopic bugs can be found in nearly every home and feed on dead skin cells and pet dander. Dust mites are not usually harmful to humans - they don't bite or suck human blood - their waste products and dead bodies are so tiny that they can be inhaled as dust and in some cases cause allergies. An allergy specialist can find out if you have an allergy to dust mites.

If a person living in your home is allergic to dust mites, you should try to get rid of many of the mites and eliminate the source of the irritation. The best place to start is by making the conditions less favorable for the mites.

Begin by lowering the humidity in your home; if the relative humidity is below 50 percent in your home, this will have a major impact on the number of dust mites.

Cleaning your house regularly is also good. Invest in professional upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning, especially if you have pets. Clean and vacuum your floors, upholstery, and drapery regularly.

Change the bedding on all beds at least weekly and wash it in hot water to kill any existing mites. While your sheets are being cleaned, clean and vacuum your mattresses as thoroughly as possible. Dust mites love to live in our bedding, because we shed millions of skin cells in our beds so this step is especially important for improving the situation.

An air filter can help, but be sure to find one of the top-of-the-line filters that can catch the very small mites and the dust they create. Washable filters are not the way to go because they can actually harbor mites and make the problem worse. Be sure to use approved allergen-reducing filters in your furnace as well.

If your sensitivity is more severe, more drastic steps may be necessary. Pets are a major source of mites because the tiny critters love their dander. It is impossible to completely eliminate mites when a furry or feathery pet lives in the house. If you can't sufficiently reduce the mites through any of the other methods, you may need to find a new home for your pets.

Finally, make your home less favorable for the dust mite population. Use things such as latex covers on your mattresses, special hypoallergenic pillows, and short-pile carpets. Ensure that your furniture is not of the overstuffed variety, since this type of furniture can be a good home for the dust mite population.

These steps may seem extreme, but dust mites are very difficult to get rid of. Experiment with several of these methods until your symptoms decrease. Once you are able to live with greater comfort in your home and breathe easier, you'll find that your efforts were worth it.