Stop the Itch: The Ultimate Prevention Guide for Dust Mites and Bed Bugs

Do you know the difference between dust mites and beg bugs? Or how theses awful little critters infiltrate your home? Understanding the difference between them is the first step toward the prevention of bed bugs and reducing the number of dust mites in your home (because no matter what you do dust mites will always be present, the goal is to keep them at a minimum). No one can understand the frustration and discomfort that come with dust mite bites and bed bugs until you actually have them, but the point here is to do our best to never let that happen. After all, it’s easier to prevent and reduce, rather than try to get rid of them. These tiny pests can cause a range of symptoms, including itching, redness, and even allergic reactions. Here we will explore all the avenues of information you need to know about dust mites and bed bugs, including prevention tips and natural remedies to get rid of them.

Introduction to Dust Mites

Dust mites and bed bugs (dust mites being more common) are two household pests that can cause bites, skin irritation, or really amp up your allergies. Dust mites are microscopic creatures approximately 0.3mm in length (invisible to the naked eye) and have eight legs. They live in dust, carpeting and fabric furniture, and they thrive in warm and humid environments, making our homes (especially our beds) the perfect breeding ground for them since they survive by eating our dead skin cells. Do you have a pet (or pets) in your house? Well, these little critters are much more prevalent when there’s dander from your cat or dog within your household.

Symptoms and Signs of Dust Mite Bites

Dust mites can cause a range of symptoms, including itching, redness, and swelling of the skin. They don’t really “bite” but more commonly leave a rash or irritation. Some people may also experience allergic reactions, such as sneezing, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. And these reactions are more likely caused from the dust mite droppings rather than the mites themselves.

Three Effective No Cost Ways to Reduce Dust Mites Naturally

• 1^st, one of the most effective and low effort ways to get rid of dust mites naturally is to reduce the humidity in your home. You can do this by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep the air dry, or if the weather is already cold then simply close the vent in your bedroom to let the temperature drop. This is also going to help you sleep better as the ideal sleeping temperature is between 62-70 degrees Celsius. You can also expose your bed to open air by leaving it unmade for at least 20 minutes after you get out of it.
• 2^nd, you should be washing your bedding and curtains regularly in hot water to kill any dust mites that may be present. So those sheets and pillow cases need to be washed weekly, your comforter or duvet covers monthly, and your pillows should be washed regularly too. As for the curtains I would aim for every other month, or at least seasonally. If you can, hang your bedding outside in the sun to dry as the sun is a natural disinfectant.
• 3^rd, vacuum and dusting. While you’re washing your sheets and have the bed stripped take an extra 60 seconds and vacuum your mattress, no special hand-held vacuum or attachments required, if all you have is large upright then vacuum, use it. This extra step really doesn’t take much effort and will easily become a worthwhile part of your routine as vacuuming is a very effective way to reduce dust mites. Vacuum the carpets, couches, pet beds, and your bed weekly, and dust off all your flat surfaces. I’ve got to say, I’m not a fan of dusting. So, I find it much easier to use the brush attachment on my vacuum to get rid of the dust on my furniture……I’ve already got the vacuum out anyway so it just makes sense.

Another natural remedy for dust mites is to use essential oils. Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil are all known for their anti-microbial properties and can help kill dust mites. You can add a few drops of these oils to your laundry when washing your bedding or use them in a diffuser to purify the air in your home. If you have an air purifier, make sure it has a HEPA filter, and that will definitely help if you’re prone to allergies.

Another effective way to prevent dust mite bites is to use quality covers on your pillows and mattresses. These covers are specially designed to keep dust mites out and can be easily washed and maintained. These covers will also help to increase the longevity of your mattress and pillows, let’s not forget that we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed, seems worth the small investment.

What are Bed Bugs and How do They Differ from Dust Mites?

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They are about the size of an apple seed and can be found in mattresses, bed frames, and furniture where they would feed off of us, otherwise they can hide anywhere. Unlike dust mites, bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, can move quickly, and are not so easy to get rid of.

Signs and Symptoms of Bed Bug Bites

Bed bug bites can cause a range of symptoms, including itching, redness, and swelling. Some people may also experience allergic reactions, such as hives, blisters, and difficulty breathing. Bed bug bites usually appear in a line or cluster and can be very itchy.

Prevention Tips for Bed Bugs

Preventing bed bugs is all about being proactive and keeping your home clean. Much like reducing dust mites, you should vacuum your carpets and upholstery regularly to remove any bed bugs or eggs that may be present. You should also wash your bedding, curtains, and soft furnishings at least once a week in hot water to kill any bed bugs that may be present.

Another effective way to prevent bed bugs is to inspect any second-hand furniture or clothing before bringing it into your home. Bed bugs can easily hide in these items and can quickly infest your home if not properly inspected.

Are Bed Bugs Worse than Dust Mites?

While both bed bugs and dust mites can cause discomfort and irritation, bed bugs are generally considered to be worse. Bed bugs can quickly infest your home and are notoriously difficult to get rid of. They can also cause allergic reactions and transmit diseases.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs Effectively

Getting rid of bed bugs can be a daunting task, but there are some methods you can use. One of the most effective ways to get rid of bed bugs is to use heat. You can use a steam cleaner to steam your mattress, bedding, and furniture to kill any bed bugs that may be present. However, when it comes to bed bugs, the ones you find are usually not the only ones living in your home. These critters lay eggs and spread fast, your safest option is to call a professional.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Prevention Guide for Dust Mite Bites and Bed Bugs

In conclusion, dust mite bites and bed bugs can be a nuisance, but there are several effective ways to prevent and treat them. By keeping your home clean and dry, using natural remedies, and being proactive by using quality bed covers, you can keep these pests at bay. If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation, it is important to take action immediately to prevent it from spreading. With these prevention tips and natural remedies, you can stop the itch and enjoy a pest-free home.

CTA: Don't let dust mite bites and bed bugs ruin your sleep. Take action today and follow these prevention tips and natural remedies to keep your home pest-free.

 

Our Insights

Our family has been upholstering and manufacturing mattresses for three generations that include a wide range of Canadian made pocket coil, traditional coil, memory foam, natural Talalay latex, adjustable lifestyle beds and even custom-made mattresses including Trailer, boat and variety of pet beds. We’ll build everything from crib and cradle mattresses, economically priced cottage and spare room mattresses, all the way up to our cutting edge, top of the line styles. Our mattresses are also great for commercial demands. We supply comfort everywhere from hotels, hospitals, retirement homes, universities and even fire departments. We believe it is our duty to put our customers in a bed that is tailored to their needs and as a manufacturer we are able to do just that