Any idea how to find dust mites?

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Edward Redstone
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Jul 11, 2021 5:40 am

Any idea how to find dust mites?

#1 Post by Edward Redstone » Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:57 am

I've looked at face mites and water mites many times under the microscope but I couldn't find and image any dust mites (house mites).

I've been trying to look at dust and dirt on the carpet and furniture, don't know if I'm doing something wrong. Were any of you able to see one? I would really appreciate any advice.

Alexander
Posts: 402
Joined: Fri Jun 11, 2021 7:10 pm

Re: Any idea how to find dust mites?

#2 Post by Alexander » Thu Jul 15, 2021 9:09 pm

You will barely find them in dry dust or in carpets. Use a knife to penetrate an old mattress and look for areas not exactly dry. This is where you will find them.

photomicro
Posts: 207
Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2017 10:28 am
Location: UK

Re: Any idea how to find dust mites?

#3 Post by photomicro » Thu Jul 15, 2021 9:29 pm

If you have a bagless vacuum cleaner, like a Dyson, with a solid cylinder that collects the stuff, empty it.

Then, take the sheets off your bed, and vacuum the mattress.

You will most likely get a rather pale coloured mass appearing in the cylinder, mostly hair and dead skin.

Looking at this with a stereo, you will see the odd bit of movement, which is the mites.

Have fun !

Edward Redstone
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Jul 11, 2021 5:40 am

Re: Any idea how to find dust mites?

#4 Post by Edward Redstone » Fri Jul 16, 2021 4:56 am

photomicro wrote:
Thu Jul 15, 2021 9:29 pm

I've never tried this. Luckily I have that kind of vacuum cleaner. Though I only have a compound microscope, which makes it a bit more difficult compared to stereo in this case but it'll do. Thank you!

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