You must remove the mold in your home to kill the tiny insects. This process is the best way how to get rid of mold mites. These creatures may seem small, but they can cause problems if you don’t attend to them.
What Are Mold Mites?
You know that mold grows in the dampest parts of your home. These fungi feast on the moisture of a poorly ventilated area.
The mold mites, in turn, come with the fungus. These tiny hairy insects feed on the mold growing in your home.
Mold mites are tiny, so you may not see them with the naked eye. Just expect that as long as there’s a patch of mold, there’s likely to be mites.
You might also notice brownish spots on your mold stain. Well, you’re looking at a whole colony of mites!
Are They Dangerous?
Before you panic and call the exterminator, just remember that mold mites aren’t really safety hazards. They are content to just stay on their little mold patch without bothering anyone.
Mold mites also don’t bite people, unlike bed bugs and other mites. Here’s a helpful guide to differentiate the kinds of house pests.
Sadly, mold mites can cause allergies. This reaction happens when their hairs fall off and fly in the air.
That’s why it’s better to get rid of these mites before you have an infestation. You can protect everyone you care about at home, including yourself.
Step-By-Step Process On Removing Mold Mites
You should clean out the mold to get rid of these pests. Also, keep food high in fat and protein well protected, so the mites don’t feed off these.
Step #1. Look for the mold
Mold is usually pretty easy to find. A big black spot on the wall stands out.
However, sometimes mold can be found in more hidden places like inside your walls. Here’s a helpful guide to deal with mold inside your walls.
You can use bleach to find hidden mold. Dab a generous amount around your suspected areas, and if it lightens, you’ve found your mold.
Step #2. Search for the mites
These insects are too small to spot, so use a camera to take a close-up photo of the mold spot.
Step #3. Remove the mold
Use any of the typical D.I.Y. home remedies. You can try vinegar, bleach, or soap to scrub off all the mold.
Step #4. Dry the area
Make sure moisture doesn’t build up again in the area you cleaned. Open all the windows and doors, so there’s proper ventilation. You can also use an electric fan to help the area dry.
Step #5. Get rid of the mites
Now that the mold is gone, it’s time to remove the pests. You can try several D.I.Y. cleaning agents to do this job.
The Best Cleaning Agents For Mold Mites
You can find the best cleaning agents for mold mites in your kitchen cabinet. There are so many types to choose from for various surfaces!
1. Bleach
This chemical works best for mold mites on mattresses and nonporous surfaces. Place a cup of bleach into a gallon of water, and spray it all over the area.
2. Baking soda and vinegar
This is a gentler mixture that can also absorb moisture. Mix baking soda, white vinegar, and water, then use it to clean your surface.
3. Tea tree oil
This essential oil can kill fungi, and it’s excellent for the bathroom or shower. It’s pretty potent, so always use gloves. Combine one teaspoon of this oil with a cup of water, and pour it into a spray bottle.
4. Borax
This mineral powder can kill mold on drywall and wood. It’s a famous cleaning agent with commercial establishments.
Combine a cup of Borax and a gallon of water, and use it to clean your wall. Just remember to ask the help of a professional if you feel like the task is too heavy.
How To Prevent Mites From Returning
Now you’ve cleaned up all the pests, how do you ensure they don’t come back? Well, the most essential thing to do is make sure the conditions aren’t suitable for mold.
Monitor the temperature and humidity
Keep the temperature at home cool and lower the humidity level. Close off all unnecessary crevices where mold could grow.
Keep your home clean
Have a regular cleaning schedule and focus on the corners and shelves. Prioritize the areas prone to moisture like the bathroom, basement, laundry room, and kitchen. Wipe up all the spills and wet areas.
Check for leaks
Sometimes, faulty pipes can be the culprit for mold buildup. Be cautious of the roof, the basement, the wall, and the gutters. Try to get an annual home check-up by professionals to get a proper evaluation.
Conclusion
Mold is an annoying blemish in any home. It’s hideous, smells terrible, and can also attract mold mites.
These bugs aren’t dangerous, but they can cause allergies when they shed hair. You can keep your family healthy when you know how to get rid of mold mites.