Does Cold Weather Kill Dust Mites?

dust mite allergyDoes Cold Weather Kill Dust Mites? Yes, cold temperatures do kill dust mites. However, the effect is not very long-lasting. Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that are related to spiders and ticks.

They feed on the dead skin cells that humans shed every day and thrive in warm, humid environments. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments. They are killed off by dryness and cold temperatures.

Cold weather can be useful in killing off dust mites if you keep your house at a low temperature for a prolonged period of time. According to Wright State University in Ohio, dust mites start dying at 59 degrees Fahrenheit, but it takes several days before they all die. The colder the temperature and the longer it lasts, the more effective it is at killing dust mites.

Dust mites can survive lower temperatures for short periods of time if they have enough moisture available, so keeping your house extremely dry will increase their mortality rate during cold snaps. Removing carpets from bedrooms, which tend to hold humidity, will reduce moisture levels and increase the number of dust mites killed during the winter months.

Sources: 1.

Instead of Cold Weather, below are the Best Proven Products For Killing Dust Mites

PRODUCTFEATURESBENEFITS
#1. Allergycare Cotton Mattress Encasing
(Must Have)
allergycare cotton mattress encasing

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- 100% Cotton mattress cover
- Naturally soft cotton fibers
- Woven entirely of chemical-free, naturally soft cotton fibers
- 6 Sided mattresses encasing
- Latex free
- Very effective
- Soft, cool, breathable, comfortable for the best sleep
- It fully encases the mattress
- Life time warranty
#2. myWoolly™ Wool Pillow Case
(Must Have)
myWoolly™ Wool Pillow Case

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- 100% machine washable wool.
- Size: standard, king, queen.
- Fully encasing
- Excellent moisture control
- Makes your sleeping surface 100% natural and chemical-free
- Naturally hypoallergenic
- Blocks off-gassing from your current pillow
#3. myWoolly™ Washable Wool Pillow
(Must Have)
myWoolly™ Washable Wool Pillow

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- 100% washable wool pillow.
- Size: standard, king & queen
- Encased in 100% Natural Cotton, 270TC Percale
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- Helps maintain the spine in its natural position
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
#4. Allersearch Allergen Wash

allesearch allergen wash

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- Safe for the most delicate fabrics
- Highly concentrated liquid detergent cleans and remove allergens from 30 medium loads
- Provide relief for allergy and asthma sufferers
- Wash away dust mites in ANY temp.
#5. DeMite Laundry Additive

demite laundry additive

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- Constitutes Non-Ionic Surfactant, Benzyl Benzoate, Solvent, Methyl Salicylate, Tea Tree Oil
- You add to your favorite detergent
- Available in 8 oz and 33.6 oz (Liter) bottles
- Simple and safe solution for getting rid of dust mite allergen
- Safe to use on all colorfast, washable fabrics
- Works well in cold water as it does in hot
#6. Allersearch X-mite Carpet Powder

allersearch xmite carpet powder

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- Cleaner and neutralizer
- Contains Tanacetane 2, a tannic acid formulation
- Easy and simle to use
- Kills household allergens from dust mites
- Medically proven to eliminate harmful allergens for up to 90 days
#7. Allesearch ADS Anti-Allergen Spray

Allersearch ADS Anti-Allergen Spray

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- Contains tannic acid
- Non-toxic and safe for use around children and pets
- Medically proven to neutralize the allergens from dust mites, and makes them permanently non-allergic
- Easy to use