This Type of Bug Is In Your Bed [Photo]
By
Natalie Moore
Posted July 11, 2016
- 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
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics
“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...
Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]
Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is. In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve...
The Air You Breathe Is Silently Stealing Your Memory
You already know that air pollution damages your lungs. Chances are you’ve heard it can also harm your heart. And I bet you won’t be surprised when I tell you it claims millions of lives annually. But now, alarming new research suggests polluted air might also damage your brain. This study found that long-term exposure...
Get Intermittent Fasting Benefits Without Going Hungry
Intermittent fasting, which involves cycling between eating and fasting periods, is effective. There’s plenty of evidence for that. It’s not just weight loss, either. Intermittent fasting has significant benefits for metabolic health. However, many people find fasting difficult to stick to—and others can’t do it at all due to medical issues—so they miss out on...
Just Diagnosed with Hypertension? —6 Things to Do Next
You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—now what? First, take a breath. You’re not alone—over 30 percent of adults worldwide have hypertension. That makes it one of the most common health issues… and a top cause of preventable deaths. The good news is that, unlike some conditions that can leave you feeling helpless, high blood...
Brain Games Are USELESS—Do These 5 Things Instead
I’ve seen a lot of lists lately claiming to have the secrets that keep your brain from turning into mush as you age. They typically advise activities such as doing crosswords, learning Spanish, or taking up the accordion. Challenging your mind with new learning experiences is definitely a great way to keep your brain engaged...
This $5 Fix REVERSES Cellular Aging in Just 6 Months
You take your vitamins, eat your vegetables, and feel healthy—so your nutrition is covered… right? Well, new research suggests that even health-conscious older adults may be missing crucial nutrients that keep their cells functioning like those of younger people. The trouble is that as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from...
Mailbag: Doctors Get Bone Health WRONG—Here's What Really Works
“Thank you so much for answering this. With millions of women who are seniors over 70 facing a diagnosis of osteoporosis, this is my question. What can we do naturally to help improve our bone density, especially in the spine lumber 1 and 2? Also, how do we help improve bone density in the femur...
Critical Brain Nutrient Missing In 9 Out of 10 American Diets
You’ve probably heard plenty about brain-boosting omega-3s, antioxidants, and B vitamins. But there’s another nutrient that’s just as critical for your cognitive health. However, it’s been flying under the radar… until now. Mounting evidence suggests this overlooked compound could be key to protecting your brain and enhancing memory. It may even reduce your risk of...
"Miracle Berry" Supercharges Your Microbiome
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and granddads who’ve shared their wisdom, strength, and love through the years. Thank you for teaching us that the best medicine is laughter, love, and a father’s caring heart. Want to upgrade your health but don’t want complicated diets or expensive supplements? Science just revealed a delicious way...