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
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...
“Canary in the Coal Mine” Test Sniffs Out Brain Issues Early
One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if you’re starting to experience cognitive decline. I get it—losing your memory is scary, especially when it sneaks up on you. But here’s some exciting news that might put your mind at ease. A fascinating new study suggests that your nose might be...
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...