How to Get Rid of Mold Mites?

Mold is just a collection of tiny fungal spores; some don’t take it very seriously. Mold grows and feeds on moisture and darkness.

Also, know that the mold is actually serving as a food source for something else. Tiny creatures are known as mold mites feed on molds. This is how the mold acts as a food source to other creatures. These tiny insects, similar to dust mites, feed on the mold. Even a tiny patch can be a huge resident and source for thousands of mold mites.

What are mold mites?

They are very tiny, hairy insects that feast and thrive on mold; they use it as their main source of food. Since they are tiny, they are nearly invincible to the human eye alone. You may also encounter insects that look very similar, but are not true mold mites. These other mites fall into the same larger family of mites but have different food sources leading to their names.

For example, you may find similar mites in old cheese (cheese mites), flour mites mixed into your old sack of flour or grain mites in your whole grains. Keep in mind that these are not healthy and should be disposed of by throwing away the entire food, but that they are not molded mites or caused by mold.

Are mold mites bad for my health?

Mold mites are not worse for your health than the mold which they feed on. Anywhere you see them you should get rid of them immediately. Unlike many other insects and bed bugs, mold mites don’t bite. They are not dangerous to humans at all. Mold mites bodies are covered in long hairs that are used for sensory perception.

However, these fall out and become airborne, polluting your home’s air. Breathing them in can lead to respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or a sore throat.

How to identify the mold mites?

These mold mites are tiny, so identifying them with your eyes is practically impossible. Howbeit, if you notice a patch of mold growing anywhere in your home, you may be able to spot an accompanying mold mite colony. These mold mites are typically tan or white, and you can see them when they accumulate in an area. They may seem like only a discolored patch to your eyes, it’s only a high-definition camera that may be able to spot them.

Try taking a picture up close and try zooming in all the way. You may see the tiny mites and confirm that they are feasting on mold growth.

How to get rid of mold mites?

For you to get rid of mold mites, you must get rid of the food source. If they have nothing to feed on, they can’t survive and will no longer be a problem.

So, to get rid of a mold mite problem, you need to handle your mold problem. If it’s a small patch, you can get rid of it using a water and vinegar solution along with physical scrubbing to kill and remove the mold. The mold mite will get scrubbed away with it, the remaining will quickly die off.

To ensure that no new mold mites appear, take steps to avoid mold growth in your home like using HEPA air filters and keeping moisture away.

• Using Vinegar

This is the most common household cleaner that kills mold species.

Make a spray out of the equal parts with vinegar and water to remove a small patch of mold. Increasing the proportion of vinegar will aid in proper cleaning. Firstly, you need to ready the mold remover in a small area, if it doesn’t damage the material, then, spray the whole section of the mold. Scrub the mold and surrounding area with a sponge, then, wipe the entire surface dry with a clean cloth.

• Using Lemon

Acidic lemon juice also breaks down mold and leaves behind a pleasant smell. Juice three to five lemons into a glass, then, pour the liquid directly onto the mold. Let the juice sit there for five minutes, then wipe the surface with a damp towel.

For tough mold, you may need to apply lemon juice again or scrub more vigorously.

• Using Baking soda

These toxic black molds can cause illnesses and rashes, besides contributing to a mold mite problem. Baking soda kills this nasty form of mold and also absorbs the moisture that encourages mold growth.

To eliminate black mold, use this basic recipe. Add a quarter tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle of water. Shake the ingredients, then, squirt the moldy areas. Scrap away the mold with a scrub brush. Rinse the surface with water, respray it with the cleaner, and let it dry.

If you’re facing a tough patch of black mold, make a paste with an increased quantity of baking soda. Blend the ingredients into a thick paste. Spread the mixture onto the mold. Let it dry, then, scrub and wipe with a damp cloth.

• Using Tea tree oil

This essential oil acts as a fungicide, it may not look like being effective but it is, killing mold and preventing its return. You are advised to wear gloves when working with tea tree oil because it may cause skin irritation.

Shake the ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the mold in the shower and bathroom or other area and let it dry for one hour, then wipe with a microfiber cloth or dry towel.

Cleaning with this essential oil helps to get rid of grain mites in the pantry, as well as other annoying insects.

• Using Borax

Knowing full well that mold mites also develop on the wall, it’s not surprising that mold mites also enjoy making themselves comfortable there. Try to look out for brown stains, especially in corners, and a musty smell. Borax is a white mineral powder that’s available at home improvement stores, big-box stores, and even grocery stores. Among other uses, it targets mold and mildew build-up.

Also, know that borax can cause eye and skin irritation, and nausea if consumed, so wear gloves while handling it. Use Borax to treat a small amount of mold damage on painted drywall. First, test an inconspicuous area. If you find mold on unpainted drywall, replace that section of the wall. Use this recipe to remove concrete basement walls.

• Using Bleach

Never mix bleach and ammonia since the combination creates dangerous fumes. Use bleach to remove mold mites on solid, nonporous surfaces, such as stainless steel. Also, use bleach to remove mold from the mattress. Bleach soaks into porous materials like wood and drywall, only aggravating the moisture issue.

• Calling a Professional exterminator

Depending on the extent of the type of mold mite infestation, if they reach a level you can’t eliminate them; you need to call the services of a professional. A professional exterminator will eliminate those mold mites no matter how they are.