dust mites
Microscopic bedding inhabitants
Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that live in household dust, feeding on dead skin cells shed by humans and pets.
They thrive in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
Though invisible to the naked eye, their waste particles are a major trigger for allergies and asthma: The doctor said dust mites were causing her symptoms.
Materials covering a mattress
- pillowsCushioned head supports
- mattressPadded sleeping surface
- upholsteryFurniture's textile layer
- carpetsTextile floor coverings
rugs · sheets · blankets · comforters · duvet · furniture · curtains · stuffed animals
Cannot be seen
- tinyExtremely small in size
- electron microscopeInstrument magnifying via charged particles
- minusculeExtremely small in size
- microscopicToo small for eyes
eight-legged · exoskeleton · shed skin · translucent · arachnid · arthropod · life cycle · eggs
Sudden forceful nasal expulsion
- asthmaChronic lung inflammation
- antihistaminesDrugs blocking allergic responses
- allergic rhinitisNasal inflammation from allergens
- immunotherapyDisease treatment via body's defenses
hypersensitivity · allergy shots · congestion · watery eyes · itchiness · allergist · eczema · hives
Removing dirt by suction
- HEPA filterHigh-efficiency particulate trapper
- dehumidifierDevice reducing air moisture
- air purifierMachine filtering indoor atmosphere
- encasementsProtective outer coverings
bedding
Materials covering a mattress
- pillowsCushioned head supports
- mattressPadded sleeping surface
- upholsteryFurniture's textile layer
carpets · rugs · sheets · blankets · comforters · duvet · furniture · curtains · stuffed animals · fabric
invisible
Cannot be seen
- tinyExtremely small in size
- electron microscopeInstrument magnifying via charged particles
- minusculeExtremely small in size
microscopic · eight-legged · exoskeleton · shed skin · translucent · arachnid · arthropod · life cycle · eggs · larvae
sneezing
Sudden forceful nasal expulsion
- asthmaChronic lung inflammation
- antihistaminesDrugs blocking allergic responses
- allergic rhinitisNasal inflammation from allergens
immunotherapy · hypersensitivity · allergy shots · congestion · watery eyes · itchiness · allergist · eczema · hives · HEPA filter
vacuuming
Removing dirt by suction
- HEPA filterHigh-efficiency particulate trapper
- dehumidifierDevice reducing air moisture
- air purifierMachine filtering indoor atmosphere
encasements · steam cleaning · sunlight exposure · decluttering
- allergenspeanuts, food allergens, shellfish, tree nuts, dairy
- airborne allergenspollen, mold spores, pet dander, ragweed, grass pollen
- building healthsick building, mold exposure, radon, asbestos, carbon monoxide
- irritantstear gas, pepper spray, CS gas, mace, bear spray
- mitesmite, spider mite, chigger, harvest mite, bird mite
- respiratory irritantsmold spores, pet dander, pollen, smoke, cigarette smoke
dust miteselephants
Tusked, trunk-bearing mammals
megafauna · whales · giant insects · blue whale · beetles
dust mitessterility
Absence of microbes or fertility
cleanliness · hygiene · sterile environment · clean room · purity
dust mitesprobiotics
Live microorganisms aiding digestion
beneficial bacteria · air purifiers · clean air · antihistamines · HEPA filters
dust, dusty, dusting, duster, dusted, mites, dusters, dustless, dustiness