- Discover how millions of uninvited bedfellows are ruining your health
- Got asthma? This bug may be to blame. Find out more…
- Plus, a few easy ways to keep these dirty squatters away.
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
“Oh, you’re not sick because they are in your bed. You’re sick because of what they are doing in your bed…”
For the past three days, I’ve woken up with itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, and endless sneezing.
You see, I’m in Florida and staying in a foreign bed. But due to these symptoms, I haven’t gotten a whole lot of rest.
Fortunately, I had a chance to catch up with a respiratory therapist I used to work with. She informed me that my symptoms were likely caused by the byproduct of an uninvited bedfellow.
This information confused me greatly, as I’m staying in my family’s extremely tidy house, not a questionably clean hotel.
But what was more shocking… my reaction wasn’t to these pests, but to what they were leaving behind.
The scary part is these bugs are EVERYWHERE. Including your bed.
I’ll tell you how I know that in just a minute. And we will share a few tips on how to rid your bed of these filthy invaders.
First, let’s find out more about who’s in your bed…
Soiling Squatters
Dust mites — naturally occurring microscopic pests that feed on dead human skin cells and are responsible for the some of the most common indoor allergens.
Yet the mere presence of these tiny pests won’t make you sick. It’s what they are leaving behind that’s ruining your health — their feces!
That’s right, I’m sleeping in and getting sick from dust mite poop.
And guess what? You probably are too.
According to the American Lung Association, four out of five American homes have beds with dust mites.
But they may not be just in your bed. Millions of dust mites could be hiding (and pooping) in your curtains, carpets, and furniture.
However, since they burrow into your bed, your greatest exposure comes during sleep.
Yum! Dead human skin cells!
Source: achooallergy.com
My reaction to dust mites was very mild. For some folks, dust mites trigger severe asthma attacks, chronic sneezing and coughing, and facial pressures. In some cases, dust mite exposure can even cause asthma.
Luckily, there are a few ways to evict these soiling squatters.
Be Dust Mite Free
Since dust mites absorb moisture from the air instead of drinking water, humidity is the most significant factor in dust mite control. If you live in a humid climate, getting a dehumidifier is one way to reduce moisture in the air. There are several types available, but a free-standing unit is a good way to get started. Click here to check out a unit by Haier.
Also, be sure to open your windows on dry days in order to reduce moisture in your home.
Another way to control the population is to reduce their habitats. Throw out any nonessential textiles from your home. Things like curtains, area rugs, decorative pillows, and stuffed animals can increase dust mite populations, so it’s best to pitch them when you can. If you can’t toss them, wash them weekly in hot water to kill off existing mites.
Since you can’t wash your mattress weekly, getting a dust mite mattress cover is a good option. These specially designed mattress covers will keep dust mites from burrowing into your mattress. Click here to check out a cover by Eco Living Friendly
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Sources
[1] Dust Mites
