Have you ever wondered whether you have bed bug or dust mite problems? Neither are much fun to sleep with, but here are 4 ways that they are different and tips for telling one from the other.
Problems They Cause---Many adages have their roots in fact, and "Don't let the bed bugs bite" is one of them. These critters really bite their victim in order to get blood which is their source of nourishment. Many are not even aware that they have been bitten until they notice itchy red spots (most often in groups of 3 or more) the next day. Others can have more serious reactions such as painful skin rashes.
On the other hand, the dust mite is a kinder, gentler critter in that it does not bite. But it defecates freely, and it is the protein in the feces that is a potent allergen. It causes allergic reactions, make asthma worse, and even cause the onset of asthma. The longer you are exposed to either of these bugs, the more likely it is that sensitivity to them will increase.
Appearance---If you can see the bug, it is definitely not a dust mite. Mites are invisible to the naked human eye and need magnification to be seen. Most are only a quarter of a millimeter in size. They have a total of 8 legs attached to a non-segmented, single body part.
Bed bugs are almost 4 times bigger and measure approximately 1.5 millimeters in length. They have a total of 6 legs attached to 3 distinct body parts-head, thorax and abdomen.
Where They Live----The relatively large size of bed bugs dictates that they live in the cracks of mattresses, between the headboard and the mattress, in bedroom furniture and behind furniture and accessories.
Mites, on the other hand, are small enough to slip between the fibers of mattresses, mattress pads and pillows where they survive and proliferate in the warm, damp, and dark environment. Covering your mattress and pillows with covers that are impenetrable is an effective way to start them from taking up residence in your bed.
Diet---Bed bugs live to suck your blood (literally). Dust mites feed on the dead skin cells that are constantly flaking off the human body to make way for newer, healthier skin. Both of these bugs thrive in the bed because there is an unlimited food supply for both.
Neither of these pests are easy to deal with, but knowing which are causing you problems is the first step towards a solution.
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