This Type of Bug Is In Your Bed [Photo]

  • 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

[2] How to control dust mites

[3] A simple washing procedure with eucalyptus oil for controlling house dust mites and their allergens in clothing and bedding

Natalie Moore

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

Weekly Habit QUINTUPLES Your Cancer Risk

Everyone knows that sugar-sweetened sodas aren’t going to win any nutrition awards. That’s not news. But now, a disturbing new study suggests these soft drinks hide a deadly secret. A regular soda habit could do far more damage than just expand your waistline or raise your diabetes risk. The new research reveals these sugary treats...

Read This

Unlikely Duo Naturally SLASHES High Blood Pressure

Some things just naturally belong together—such as peanut butter and jelly, salsa and chips, or two peas in a pod. But there’s an unlikely pair that researchers say could do wonders for your heart health. A comprehensive new study from the University of Surrey has revealed that compounds found naturally in tea and chocolate can...

Read This

The Surprising Link Between Jaw Tension and Anxiety

Ever catch yourself clenching your jaw when you’re stuck in traffic or waiting for an important phone call? Well, it might tell you something important about what’s happening “upstairs.” Turns out, that jaw tension isn’t just annoying—it’s a direct hotline to your anxiety levels. And most of us don’t even realize we’re doing it. I’ve...

Read This

Could Poor Sleep Be Hurting Your Brain?

If you’ve ever woken up groggy, unable to shake the brain fog, or struggling to focus, it might be more than just a bad night’s sleep. Sleep apnea—a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep—affects nearly 936 million people globally. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t just leave you feeling tired. New research shows...

Read This

Mailbag: Inflammation-Fighting Protocol Clears Clogged Arteries

“I’m 70 years young and I would like to know if there is a natural treatment for clean arteries to prevent heart attack and cardiac problems. Thanks for your reply!” -Change of Heart Dear Change, I love how proactive you’re being about your heart health! Nature offers powerful solutions for keeping arteries clear and healthy....

Read This

Why Your Tech Troubles Might SAVE Your Brain

Ever feel like your smartphone is too smart for you? Or maybe you’ve struggled to figure out that new streaming device your kids gave you? Well, take heart. Those technology headaches are saving your brain cells. A groundbreaking new study suggests that spending hours figuring out your gadgets could be your best defense against cognitive...

Read This

Study Reveals the Dark Side of Sleep Meds

I’m sure you know by now that quality sleep is crucial for good health. Poor sleep, on the other hand, is linked to all kinds of health hazards, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety. It’s the primary reason people opt to take sleep medications. But what if the pills you’re taking to...

Read This

Ancient Food Eases Modern Digestive Woes

If you turn up your nose at the pungent aroma of sauerkraut, you might want to reconsider. Because that tangy, fermented cabbage could be exactly what your gut needs to fight off inflammation and heal digestive issues. Research reveals that this humble food, enjoyed for centuries across the world, contains potent compounds that could shield...

Read This

One-Third of Dementia Cases Linked to This Treatable Condition

Dementia is on the rise—and the number of cases is expected to double by 2060. Most people focus on common risk factors like diet, exercise, or genetics. But one of the biggest threats to your brain health is something most of us take for granted… Until it starts to fade away. Worse yet, research shows...

Read This

Medications That Don't Mix Well with Coffee

If you’re a regular Living Well Daily Reader (and I certainly hope you are), I probably don’t need to tell you I’m a coffee fan. I regularly share information on coffee’s many health benefits—from boosting metabolism to reducing disease risk. But many don’t realize that cup of Joe can interact with common medications, sometimes reducing...

Read This