Probiotic cleaning and dust mite allergens
ARE YOU SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY?
WHAT ARE DUST MITES? 
According to Allergy NZ house dust mites are found in most human habitats and are one of the most common triggers of allergies globally. Symptoms include asthma, atopic eczema, and allergic rhinitis.
House dust mites are tiny parasites - 8-legged arthropods - which live off the dead skin cells humans shed daily. They essentially convert these cells into tiny particles of dust, which is the airborne allergen that causes all the problems.
Dust mites prefer temperatures around 18 -24ᵒC with humidity of 75 to 80 percent.
Dust mites therefore live in houses where they can source food, as long as they have moisture to breed.
They die when the humidity falls below 50 percent and are not usually found in dry climates. Humidity is therefore a critical factor for house dust mites prevalence both inside and outside the home, with higher concentrations found in damp homes.
A CONCERN FOR NZ HOMES?
Allergy NZ describes New Zealand as having a bigger problem with house dust mites than many other countries. This is because house dust mites thrive in our temperate and humid climate, and particularly in our damp homes.
Damp housing is known to a widespread problem in New Zealand. Cold air has a higher relative humidity and in the 2014 New Zealand General Social Survey (NZGSS) nearly half of New Zealand adults reported living in a cold house, with more than 1 in 5 individuals (21%) feeling their homes were often or always cold. More than 3 in 10 (32 %) felt they had a problem with dampness, with 6 % reporting the problem was a major one.
Dust mite particles are often found in pillows, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. They float into the air when disturbed by anyone walking on or vacuuming carpet, sitting on furniture, or pulling back bedding. They settle back onto surfaces once the disturbance is over. Relative humidity increases quickly after a bed is occupied, so there is usually a concentration of house dust mites found in beds.
Allergy to house dust mites are the most common allergen source in New Zealand particularly in coastal areas.
Prevalence of house dust mites is linked to exposure to the house dust mite allergen, with a cumulative increase in the development of allergy associated with increasing exposure to house dust mite allergens.
There is some evidence to suggest that children who are sensitised to house dust mites at an early age may go on to develop asthma. It has been recommended that primary prevention of house dust mite allergy be focussed on preventing sensitisation in infancy.
SYMPTOMS OF DUST MITE ALLERGIES
Common symptoms of dust mites include:
* Coughing
* Sneezing
* Red, itchy or watery eyes
* Itchy or stuffy nose
* Itchy mouth or throat
* Postnasal drip
* Sinus pressure
* Wheezing
If you suffer from asthma and are experiencing any of the above symptoms as well as difficulty breathing, pain or tightness in your chest, difficulty sleeping due to excessive coughing, or shortness of breath, then you may have a dust mite problem within your home.
HOW TO REDUCE DUST MITE ALLERGENS 
PureBiotics® works at the microscopic level, which is perfect for targeting and eliminating dust mites. Our PureBiotics® StaBiotic™ Mist is an all natural air freshener comprised of organic probiotics, breaks down bad bacteria that pollute indoor air and triggers allergy symptoms.
With our PureBiotics® All Natural All Purpose Cleaner and StaBiotic™ Mist, you can replace all your harsh, chemical laden household cleaning products and feel safe with an effective cleaning solution.
Our blend of organic probiotics starts by disintegrating the biofilm which can be described as the food source for bacteria and dust mites.
In broader terms, the biofilm is a very thin and slimy coating of bacteria that clings to surfaces. In turn, dead dust mites, skin cells, and pet dander adhere to the biofilm and act as a food source for dust mites and other bacteria to feed off of and thrive from.
By eliminating their food source with probiotic bacteria, the bad bacteria can no longer survive. Once indoor allergens are removed and replaced with a layer of probiotics, dust mites don’t stand a chance.
Places like furniture and bedding can be hard to clean, but those are areas in which dust mites burrow themselves the most!
This is why PureBiotics® is so easy and convenient to use in your house. Just spray it on areas like curtains, closets, bed sheets, pillows, pet beds, trash cans, and gym bags and it will immediately go to work and eradicate the allergens and bacteria that are gathered there.