Brendan O'Connor "There are dead skin cells everywhere, and dust mites loves them!”
Sep 13, 2025
Christine Loscher, Professor of Immunology at DCU, dives into the world of dust mites, our tiny, unwanted houseguests. She explains how these creatures thrive on shed skin cells and the health impacts of their feces, especially during allergy season. Listeners learn practical tips to reduce their presence, like enhancing home ventilation and keeping humidity in check. Plus, Christine delves into treatments for dust mite allergies and how they compare to facial mites. Get ready to rethink your home environment!
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Why Dust Mites Spike In Winter
- Dust mites thrive when homes are closed and heated because they absorb moisture from the air rather than drinking water.
- Their feces contain proteins that commonly trigger allergic reactions in humans, worsening in winter as mite numbers rise.
Where Dust Mites Live And Eat
- Dust mites congregate in bedding, padded furniture, carpets and soft toys where skin cells accumulate.
- Human skin flakes provide the primary food source, so any soft surface that collects skin cells is a mite habitat.
Rapid Dust Mite Reproduction
- Female dust mites lay many eggs (up to ~200) and larvae quickly grow by consuming skin cells in humid conditions.
- Their rapid life cycle allows fast population growth when indoor environments suit them.