Slide Preparation

• 1). Collect dust mites in a clean vacuum bag by vacuuming the area where itching is most intense -- it may be the carpet, mattress, pillow or couch.
  
  
• 2). Place a small amount of the dust from the vacuum cleaner bag in the middle of the microscopic slide.
  
  
• 3). Add a tiny drop of distilled or filter water on top of the sample with the dropper or pipette. Hold the cover slip from the sides and gently lower over the wet sample. The liquid will spread between the layers.
  
  
• 4). Place the slide on the stage of the microscope and clip in place. First, focus the image by using the coarse focus knob on the microscope. Then use the fine focus knob to get a clearer image of the mite.
  
  

Identifying Mites

• 1). Observe the shape, the color and placement of legs to identify the mites found in your home. Mites have a round or oval body and eight legs.
  
  
• 2). Identify a clover mite by its color (red, green or brown) and round body. The front two of its eight legs protrude out and are longer than the others. The house dust mite, is oval and clear in color. The body and legs are covered in hair. Another common mite, the itch mite has a long oval shape that expands after feeding. They also have hairy legs.
  
  
• 3). Compare the shape, color and features of the mite residing in your home to the images of most common mites available at the Illinois Department of Public Health. Other reliable sources or books may be used to identify the mites seen under the microscope.