House dust mites have lived in human contact from time immemorial. Human
dander or dead skin constitutes the major organic component of the house dust ecosystem.
Because the mites feed on dander, dust mites and human association will continue to co-exist
as part of our environment. Efficient house-keeping practice is the best form of control to
r e d u c e i n f e s t a t i o n . Howe v e r, s p e c i a l p r e c a u t i o n s a r e imp o r t a n t wh e n i n d i v i d u a l s a r e susceptible or sensitive to dust mites. House dust mites are responsible for causing asthma, rhinitis and contact dermatitis. The respiratory allergies are caused by the inhalation of dead
or live mites, their faecal matter or other byproducts. Immune factors are of paramount
importance in the development of dust related or mite induced respiratory diseases. House
dust mites were found in some 1,000 samples of dust taken from approximately 330 dwellings
in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Mattresses, carpets, corners of a bedroom, and floor
beneath the bed are favourable dust mite habitats. The incriminating species based on studies
here and elsewhere, as well as many other species of dust mites of unknown etiological
importance are widely distributed in Malaysian homes. Density of dust mites in Malaysia and
Singapore is greater than in temperate countries. Prevention and control measures with
reference to subjects sensitive to dust mite allergies, including chemical control described in
studies conducted in Europe and America are discussed. However, a cost free and most
practical way to remove mites, their faecal matter and other products is to resort to sunning
the bedding and carpets to kill the living mites, and then beaten and brushed to remove the
dust and other components.