Question
Hi, me and my fiance have had trouble in getting rid of the mites in our home for about a year now. we had the mite identified through laboratory testing. we were told the mites we had in our home were Glycyphagus Domesticus. We have tried every insecticide going but we have had no luck! the mites hide away in everything to the point where we had no other choice but to get rid of our belongings and move house. We have been in our new house now four months. I have noticed that we have some how managed to bring the mites with us! I have tried everything from using the central heating all day to ventilating the rooms, our old house was very damp and poorly ventilated but this house seems fine. I was wondering if you would be able to advise me as I don't know what else to try... Thank you!

Answer
Samantha,

All of the mites in this group feed on mold and fungi, and produce allergies in people exposed to them (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/dustmite.html for a similar mite). This one in particular can sometimes be associated with furnishings that have become moldy because they are damp. If you moved old furniture into the new house it is possible that allergens embedded in the fabric are still present.

Since your allergy symptoms have continued in the new house it is also possible that the cause is something other than, or possibly in addition to, the mites. There are lots of things that cause allergy. I'd suggest talking with an allergist and possibly being tested for various known allergens. If your new house is reasonably dry it is unlikely that the mites have followed (but the allergens in the furniture may have).

I hope this is useful.

Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com