How to get rid of mites?

[rootzdawta]

For a while now, I have not been able to sleep in my bed because anytime I would get it, I would get these terrible hives that itched uncontrollably. I originally thought I had developed a new allergic condition brought on by a stressful job but I couldn't understand why the hives would only come up at night and even though I had quite the job months ago. Well, the other day we were cleaning up and discovered some dead bugs which we guessed were mites. After doing a little research, we're sure they're mites, specifically spider mites. My first reaction was that we should call someone like Terminix to come in and blast those little suckers so I can get back to sleeping in my bed like a normal person. But I am pregnant and have a young son and would really like to stay away from any harsh chemicals. Now, I understand that the mites could have been brought in from the outside because we have a fireplace and stack wood to burn in our bedroom. We will have to change that arrangemenet. For now, I'm just wondering what I can do to get rid of these mites. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

What about this product: http://www.naturalginesis.com/? Anyone used it with success? TIA!!!

[LaughingHyena]

The instructions with our steam cleaner say it kills dust mites. We use it on carpets and matteresses every so often (though probably not often enough). There are no chemicals, just steam.

[Laggie]

I believe spider mites are a plant pest. I don't think they bite people, although there are other types of mites that do. What you are describing sounds more like bed bugs, but hopefully it's not that and you are just allergic to something in your bedroom.

Bed bugs are very very hard to get rid of but a lot of people have a strong allergic reaction like you are describing.

[rootzdawta]

Originally Posted by Laggie

Bed bugs are very very hard to get rid of but a lot of people have a strong allergic reaction like you are describing.

They were bed bugs . . . Trying to figure out what to do now.

[Tanibani]

http://www.allergycontrolproducts.com/

I use their products.

I'm not familiar with bed bugs. (Though I clicked on your link and THAT's what that is. I found one on my carpet yesterday. We have found some in the past. No big infestation though.)

I am allergic to dust mites. Dust mites don't bite, it's just a respiratory thing for me (hard to breathe). So I purchased their mattress/pillow covers (very expensive, but the best, long lasting barrier to the bugs living inside the mattresses/bedding.)

I'm not sure if it would help your problem though. Call the company and ask.

[Denvergirlie]

If it's bed bugs you are in deep weeds. Get rid of everything in that room. the bed, bedframe, linens, dressers, nightstands. Everything. bed bugs can survive years without a meal (your blood) and can even slide between the smallest of cracks like baseboards around the room.

http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef636.asp

Not certain if there are any more natural ways to combat them, chemicals seems to be the only route to go.

Good luck thou!

[Laggie]

They can be killed with steam. Wikipedia has a lot of good information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bugs

[Denvergirlie]

Originally Posted by Laggie

They can be killed with steam. Wikipedia has a lot of good information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bed_bugs

According to this entery it states that steam is not a permament treatment.