Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
Storage Mites: A "Mite-y" Allergen in Your Home
This was news to me: In addition to dust mites, which are living, spider-like microscopic creatures that are all over your home eating & leaving their waste products for you to inhale, there are also similar mites that live in certain kinds of food...dry, cereal or grain products, like kibble. They are now thought to be as much to blame for asthma & other allergies (in both pets AND humans) as dust mites are. They are one of the worst culprits in Jackdoodle's immune system problems. Here's some basic info, including some very important and eye-opening facts about how you can feed your doodles to minimize their exposure to storage mites:
"Storage mites were first found in grain silos where they thrive in and feed on dry grains. Farmers and workers in environments where hay and grain are stored and handled may develop an allergic sensitivity to these mites. Storage mites are often found in grain bins and dry feed stuffs including dog and cat food. Pets exposed to storage products mites by consumption of food containing these mites are therefore at risk of sensitization and allergic reaction. Storage mite bodies and mite feces are a source of potent allergens. Dog and cats may be exposed to mite body parts and excreta through inhalation and percutaneous absorption of such allergens.
One of the storage mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, the mold mite, is very common but usually goes unnoticed except in occasions when it becomes abundant. Mold mites only develop where there is moisture or high humidity. Infestations have been found in cheese, flour, grain, seeds, bulbs, straw, wallpaper, furniture, dried fruits, and cereal foods. Since even dry foods have some sort of moisture (usually around 10%) they are susceptible to mold and provide an optimum breeding ground for the storage mite. Hypersensitivity to storage mites is a worldwide problem. Data and information regarding allergy to storage mites has increased rapidly over recent years.
Hyposensitization therapy can be effective in atopic patients with storage mite allergy. Some patients are sensitive only to mites, and in these cases immunotherapy is highly effective. In addition, an effective environmental control regimen can prove useful in minimizing the patient’s discomfort and lessening immediate signs of allergy.
Although it is virtually impossible to totally eliminate storage mites form the environment, steps can be taken to inhibit their multiplication and thereby minimize exposure to storage mite allergens.
The following suggestions should prove useful in controlling storage mite populations:
Store pet foods in airtight containers. Avoid storage of pet food in garages, sheds or basements.
Do not use old or outdated pet food. Check food for dust, mold or odors and remove questionable food from the house and discard immediately.
Wash food containers frequently in detergent and HOT (130ºF) water. Dry completely before refilling with food.
Dispose of pet food bags immediately outside of the house.
Do not stockpile foods. Purchase only what is needed for 30 days at a time.
Avoid keeping fruit or other foods that can mold on the counter.
Check food bags for tears or holes prior to purchase.
Low quality pet foods with a high quantity of particulate debris at the bottom of the bag should be avoided."
Of course, feeding canned or homemade foods eliminates the problem altogether. Food for thought.
"Storage mites were first found in grain silos where they thrive in and feed on dry grains. Farmers and workers in environments where hay and grain are stored and handled may develop an allergic sensitivity to these mites. Storage mites are often found in grain bins and dry feed stuffs including dog and cat food. Pets exposed to storage products mites by consumption of food containing these mites are therefore at risk of sensitization and allergic reaction. Storage mite bodies and mite feces are a source of potent allergens. Dog and cats may be exposed to mite body parts and excreta through inhalation and percutaneous absorption of such allergens.
One of the storage mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, the mold mite, is very common but usually goes unnoticed except in occasions when it becomes abundant. Mold mites only develop where there is moisture or high humidity. Infestations have been found in cheese, flour, grain, seeds, bulbs, straw, wallpaper, furniture, dried fruits, and cereal foods. Since even dry foods have some sort of moisture (usually around 10%) they are susceptible to mold and provide an optimum breeding ground for the storage mite. Hypersensitivity to storage mites is a worldwide problem. Data and information regarding allergy to storage mites has increased rapidly over recent years.
Hyposensitization therapy can be effective in atopic patients with storage mite allergy. Some patients are sensitive only to mites, and in these cases immunotherapy is highly effective. In addition, an effective environmental control regimen can prove useful in minimizing the patient’s discomfort and lessening immediate signs of allergy.
Although it is virtually impossible to totally eliminate storage mites form the environment, steps can be taken to inhibit their multiplication and thereby minimize exposure to storage mite allergens.
The following suggestions should prove useful in controlling storage mite populations:
Store pet foods in airtight containers. Avoid storage of pet food in garages, sheds or basements.
Do not use old or outdated pet food. Check food for dust, mold or odors and remove questionable food from the house and discard immediately.
Wash food containers frequently in detergent and HOT (130ºF) water. Dry completely before refilling with food.
Dispose of pet food bags immediately outside of the house.
Do not stockpile foods. Purchase only what is needed for 30 days at a time.
Avoid keeping fruit or other foods that can mold on the counter.
Check food bags for tears or holes prior to purchase.
Low quality pet foods with a high quantity of particulate debris at the bottom of the bag should be avoided."
Of course, feeding canned or homemade foods eliminates the problem altogether. Food for thought.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle on
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My problem is not that the container is not airtight, but the necessity to wash the container in HOT water & soap, and dry it thoroughly before using each time. My storage container is deep & narrow, and on wheels...there's no way I can sterilize it. I have been buying 15 lb bags of kibble, and dividing it up into separate ziplock bags to keep inside the storage container. It is a pain, but a lot better than having JD on dozens of meds.
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