Dust mites are very common, but for many people they can cause big problems. These tiny bugs live in nearly every home and survive on old skin cells shed by humans and pets. Dust mites are not usually harmful to humans - they don't bite or suck blood - their feces and dead bodies are so small that they can be inhaled as dust and in some cases cause allergies. An allergy specialist can determine if you have an allergy to dust mites.

If someone at your home has an allergy to dust mites, you'll need to try to get rid of many of the mites and remove the source of the irritation. The best place to start is by making the conditions less hospitable to the mites.

This can be done by reducing the humidity in your house; if the humidity level is below 50 percent in your home, you will experience a greatly reduced dust mite population.

Cleaning your house on a regular basis is also important. Make use of a professional upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning, especially when there are pets in the house. Clean and vacuum your drapery, floors, and upholstery regularly.

Change the bedding on all beds at least once a week and clean it in hot water to kill any existing mites. While your sheets are in the laundry, vacuum your mattresses thoroughly. Dust mites love living in our bedding, because we shed millions of skin cells in our beds so this step is especially important for improving the situation.

Use an air filter too, but be sure to use a special filter that can catch the tiny mites and their waste products. Washable filters are not appropriate because they can actually harbor mites and contribute to the problem. Be sure to use special allergen-reducing filters in your furnace as well.

If you have a more severe case of sensitivity, more drastic steps may be necessary. Pets are a major source of mites because the tiny critters love their dander. If you cannot reduce the mite population with a pet in the house you may have to move the pet somewhere else.

Last but not least, make your home less favorable for the dust mite population. Buy latex covers for your mattresses, hypoallergenic pillows, and short-pile carpet. Do not have overstuffed furniture, since this kind of furniture can contribute to dust mites.

These steps may seem drastic, but dust mites are very troublesome to eliminate. You may need to try several of these methods until your reactions decrease. Once you are able to breathe easier and live more comfortably in your own home, you'll find that your efforts were worth it.