Dust mites.

I know, not the most fun topic.

What are they, exactly? There is a website dedicated to these creepy little creatures called Dustmites.org. They define dust mites as "microscopic creatures that live in your bedding by the millions and cause allergies."

In fact, they say that "Dust Mite Allergies are the most common type of allergy. It’s been estimated that 70% of all allergy sufferers are allergic to dust." This website has some good suggestions, like removing carpeting in bedrooms, improving ventilation with air conditioning or opening the windows, and vacuuming or mopping floors weekly (I would try daily for awhile). But they did not mention Geraniol . . .

Geraniol, the primary component in Palmarosa essential oil (Cymbopogon martini var. motia) was proven in a 2008 research study to be one of the most effective essential oil constituents for controlling dust mites (which can aggravate respiratory allergies) and is considered more effective than DEET (1).

To fight dust mites with essential oils, I suggest using a simple linen spray made with Palmarosa and Lavender.

After washing your linens in a hot wash, spray it on your sheets a few times a day.

Dust Mite Linen Spray

8 oz (240 ml) water in a spray bottle
60 drops Palmarosa essential oil
20 drops Lavender essential oil

I recommend making a fresh bottle every few weeks.

Research Reference:
1. Jeon JH, Kim HW, Kim MG, et al (2008) Mite-control activities of active constituents isolated from Pelargonium graveolens against house dust mites. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 18(10):1666-1671