Did you know that In the 17th century the cloth merchant Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723) made a microscope to look at barely visible life forms in cloth. One he noted and named “little wolves’, this was an appropriated name for a dust mite. It was probably was the first sighting of an animal that has been on earth for millions of years. Scientists know this by looking at fully formed mites encased in amber about 145 million years ago. Today the number of described dust mite species are estimated to be about 45,000. Of all mites studied however it is the common house dust mite that ranks highest in medical research because it is a major cause of allergic dermatitis (eczema), rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma.
Here comes a did you know. House dust mites can drown in a normal family wash and their allergens go out with the dirty water? Hot wash is best because it kills all the mites and their eggs, but regular washing is helpful at keeping mite numbers down. Ps They live in colonies, not like spiders – another did you know!
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