• Dust mites can be found in carpets.saw dust image by Wolfgang Zintl from Fotolia.com
  
  While you cannot completely eliminate dust mites, a variety of remedies can be used to reduce the number of dust mites in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, every home has dust mites and these bugs that are naked to the human eye will feed on human skin flakes. The mites are found in mattresses, carpets, pillows and clothing.
  
  

Bed Covers

• Make sure to cover your pillows and mattress in dust-proof or allergen-impermeable covers. These covers should be made of either tightly woven fabric or vinyl, which will prevent dust mites from colonizing on the pillows and mattress. The box springs should be covered in this fabric or vinyl as well.
  
  When selecting bedding, it is best to stay away from down bedcovers that can easily trap dust such as wool. Also stay away from any bedding that can not be easily washed.
  
  

Wash Bedding Often

• All bedding should be washed at least once a week. This includes all pillowcases, blankets, sheets and bed covers. These covers should be washed in hot water that is at least a temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit to kill dust mites and remove allergens. If the bedding cannot be washed you can throw it in the dryer on high heat for at least 20 minutes. This will kill any living dust mites. Any items that cannot be washed can be placed in the freezer for 24 hours to kill dust mites, but the freezer will not remove allergens.
  
  

Vacuum

• Always vacuum regularly and as often as possible. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to remove surface dust. The surface dust will remove the dust mite's food source, but might not remove all dust mites. Use a double-layered microfiber bag or a high-efficiency air filter to decrease house-dust emissions from the vacuum cleaner.
  
  

Humidity

• Keep a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent in your house at all times. An air conditioner and a dehumidifier can help keep humidity low. A hygrometer, which can be purchased at a hardware store, will measure the amount of humidity in your house.
  
  

Stuffed Animals

• If you have children and they have stuffed animals, make sure to wash them as often as possible in hot water. The stuffed animals should be completely dry and should be kept off of beds. Stuffed animals are a magnet for dust mites.