Mold mites are one of the commonest household pests. Unlike other pests, mold mites can be hard to detect and identify.
Since they do not have big-sized bodies, many people find it tricky to know how they got into their house in the first place.
You will find this piece helpful if you are on this table.
The next few sections will discuss common ways mold mites enter homes and how to keep them away.
- Mold mites are tiny insects that are not very visible without using microscopes. They enjoy staying around damp and dark places like basements, bathrooms, attics, etc.
- These small-bodied creatures can get into your house through leaky pipes, cracks in the walls, damaged window frames, blocked drainage and gutters, and missing roof tiles.
- Human lifestyles that can make them thrive more indoors are poor ventilation, dry washing indoors, and poor insulation.
- Others include closing the door immediately after cooking/showering and positioning furniture against external walls.
The rest of the article will discuss five ways mold mites can enter homes and another five human lifestyles that can cause them to thrive. But before all that, let’s examine some facts about these tiny creatures.
What Are Mold Mites?
Mold mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures that live in damp and dark places. They are so small that you can hardly see them without a microscope. They feed off mold and mildew and thrive in warm, moist environments.
You can find mold mites in bathrooms, basements, attics, and other areas that are unclean and prone to moisture accumulation. Mold mites can also be in carpets, furniture, and other fabric items exposed to moisture.
Mold mites are generally harmless to humans, but they can cause health problems in some people. Mold mites can trigger allergies and asthma and can cause skin irritation.
Additionally, mold mites can damage stored food and fabrics by eating holes in them. If left unchecked, mold mites can multiply quickly, leading to a full-blown infestation.
That’s enough introduction about these critters. Now, let us identify possible ways they can get into your house.
5 Ways Mold Mites Can Get Into Your House
You may have seen one or two mold mites and wondered how they came in.
They are in your home because you allowed them to go in.
Mold mites can get into your house through one or more of the following ways:
1. Through Leaky Pipes
If leaky pipes surround your house, these mold mites will easily find their way in. They love moisture and can easily slip through a leaky pipe to enter your home.
It will be worse if these damaged pipes are inside your walls. The water will soak the walls and cause molds to grow on them.
If you have a clogged sink, molds can also grow beneath them.
2. Through Cracks in Your Walls
A crack or opening in your walls is an open invitation to all kinds of insects, especially mold mites.
As tiny insects, they can pass through even the smallest of cracks.
With the cracks, water can also enter your home, giving the mold mites a suitable breeding spot.
3. Through Damaged Window Frames
A damaged window frame will let in more than just air – it will also drag in some unwanted guests.
Mold mites can move with even the slightest gust of wind.
Once they enter, they can easily land on any surface and multiply rapidly.
4. Through Blocked Drainages and Gutters
Blocked drainage or gutter equals stagnant water.
You already know that it is an excellent breeding ground for most insects, including mold mites.
If you have blocked gutters around your home, you need not wonder where those mites in your home are coming from.
5. Missing Roof Tiles
Your roof covers your home and protects you from harsh weather and elements.
You are susceptible to many creepy crawling visitors with missing roof tiles.
One missing roof tile can make enough room for a mold mite to pass through.
Human Lifestyles That Can Make Molds Thrive
Mold mite infestations last for an extended period in many homes, not just because the pests have easy access to the house; in most cases, one or more lifestyles are making them thrive.
Below, we consider some of these human lifestyles that can make molds thrive:
1. Poor Ventilation
Molds will thrive in any stuffy or poorly ventilated environment.
So, if you have windows or other inlets for air in any room in your home, you can expect the pests to hide there.
2. Closing Your Doors After Cooking or Taking a Shower
What do you do immediately after you finish cooking or taking a shower? Do you hurry to close the doors to undertake another task in the house?
If you answered yes to this, that might be why molds thrive in your home.
After cooking or showering, it would be best to leave the doors open. Otherwise, your kitchen and bathroom may be a breeding ground for mold mites.
3. Dry Washing Indoors
If you dry your laundry indoors, you can make your home comfortable for mold mites. No matter how much sunlight seeps into your home, it is best to take your clothes out after washing them to dry them off properly.
4. Positioning Furniture Against External Walls
Many people push their chairs, tables, and shelves close to the wall and wonder why they have mold mites.
If you are fond of positioning furniture against external walls, this will make a good time to consider relocating them.
You can give a little space so your furniture does not touch the wall directly. Otherwise, you could cause mold mites to enter and make a home in your house.
5. Poor Insulation
If the air in your home is often warm, then your home has poor insulation.
You may not know, but this is the ideal environment molds love to stay.
Turning on an air conditioner or opening a window can solve this issue.
Signs of a Mold Mite Infestation
When you suspect a mold mite infestation in your home, there are some telltale signs you can use to confirm your suspicion. These hard-to-miss signs include the following:
- Patches of mold that move on their own.
- Dust, gray, or brown patches around food items.
- Visible white patches across surfaces in your home.
- Visible patches of mold on food.
- Mites migrating all over your home.
How To Get Rid of Mold Mites
Contact a professional exterminator if you have a mold mite infestation.
These experts will be able to identify the source of the mites and provide the necessary treatment.
If you feel the infestation is not so severe, you can take some steps to remove the mites from your home.
Here are some ideas you may want to try out:
1. Identify the Infected Area
To identify the infected areas, look for the signs listed above. Please take proper care while noting these areas.
Some infested areas could be behind walls or even in hidden corners of the home. You will have to move your furniture around to locate those spots.
To be extra sure, you can wipe down your walls with bleach. If any area remains white, mites could be brewing behind those walls.
2. Remove Their Food Source
Mold mites thrive where there is moisture and food. They feed on mold and damp surfaces.
To remove mold mites, you must first remove any mold around them.
Treat the mold with vinegar, bleach, or any potent cleaning agent.
Fix leaky pipes or faulty water sources to ensure the mold does not return.
3. Dehumidify the Area
Dehumidification is the process of removing humid air and ensuring the proper circulation of air in your home.
You can do this by opening as many windows as possible. This will significantly help to keep mold mites at bay.
You can also use fans or an air conditioning system to keep your home well-ventilated.
4. Kill the Mold Mites
After removing their food source and getting rid of moisture, the next thing to do is kill the little creatures.
There are several substances you can use to kill mold mites. Some include:
I. Lemon
Sprinkling lemon juice over the infested area will kill the mold mites.
You can scrub the area afterward.
As a bonus, lemon will leave your home smelling fresh.
II. Baking Soda
Dilute the powder with water and spray on the area where you have seen the mites.
III. White Vinegar
Mix with equal parts of water and apply on the mite-infested area.
The little creatures will die off in minutes.
IV. Bleach and Borax
This combination is powerful, and you must be cautious in its application.
Dilute it with enough water and apply it wearing gloves.
Prevention of Mold Mites
Preventing mold mite infestations is the best way to combat them.
Keeping the environment dry and moisture-free is essential to prevent mold mites from becoming an issue.
Regularly air out damp areas such as bathrooms and basements. As discussed above, using dehumidifiers can also help reduce your home’s moisture level.
Additionally, regularly clean and vacuum carpets and furniture. This can also reduce the mold mite population in your home.
Conclusion
Mold mites can be a nuisance and cause health problems in some people.
But with proper prevention and treatment methods, you can keep them in check.
If you suspect a mold mite infestation, taking action as soon as possible is crucial to remove the infestation and protect your home and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mold Mites Visible to the Eyes?
Although tiny in size, mold mites are visible to the eyes. A flashlight or a zoom lens will help you see them better.
Will Mold Mites Go Away?
Emphatically, yes! Mold mites will go away if you remove their food source. With proper treatment, ventilation, and moisture control, mold mites will eventually disappear.
How Do You Know if You Have Mold Mites?
You can tell you have mold mites if you see a cluster of white patches littered across surfaces. You may also see gray, white, or brown patches on walls or ceilings with mold around it.
