Summer nights can be incredibly hot and sweaty, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, bed mites thrive in warm and humid environments, which means they can become a major problem during the summer months.
Bed mites are tiny creatures that live in your bedding and feed on dead skin cells and other debris. They can cause allergic reactions, skin irritations, and exacerbate asthma symptoms. In this article, we will outline ten steps you can take to keep bed mites away during hot summer nights.
1. Wash Your Bedding Regularly
One of the most effective ways to keep bed mites at bay is to wash your bedding regularly. This will not only eliminate any existing mites, but it will also remove the dead skin cells and debris that they feed on.
You should wash your bedding at least once a week in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill any mites and their eggs. Make sure to also dry your bedding on high heat to ensure that all of the mites are eliminated.
2. Use Hypoallergenic Bedding
If you are particularly sensitive to bed mites, you may want to consider using hypoallergenic bedding.
This type of bedding is made from materials that are less likely to harbor allergens, such as dust mites, and can be a good way to reduce your exposure to bed mites. Look for bedding that is made from natural materials like cotton or bamboo, as these materials are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
3. Use a Dehumidifier
Bed mites thrive in warm and humid environments, which means that reducing the humidity in your bedroom can be an effective way to keep them at bay. If you live in a particularly humid area, it may be worth investing in a dehumidifier.
This will help to reduce the humidity in your bedroom and make it less hospitable for bed mites.
4. Vacuum Your Bedroom Regularly
Vacuuming your bedroom regularly can help to remove any dead skin cells, hair, and other debris that bed mites feed on. This can be particularly effective if you have carpet in your bedroom, as carpet can be a haven for bed mites.
Make sure to vacuum your bedroom at least once a week, paying particular attention to your mattress, pillows, and bedding.
5. Encase Your Mattress and Pillows
If you are particularly sensitive to bed mites, you may want to consider encasing your mattress and pillows in a special cover. This will create a barrier between you and the mites, preventing them from getting into your bedding and causing a reaction.
Look for covers that are specifically designed for this purpose and are made from materials that are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
6. Don’t Eat in Bed
Eating in bed can create the perfect environment for bed mites to thrive. Crumbs, food residue, and spilled drinks can all provide food for the mites, making it more likely that they will set up camp in your bedding.
Try to avoid eating in bed, or at least make sure to clean up any spills and crumbs immediately.
7. Keep Your Bedroom Cool
Bed mites thrive in warm temperatures, so keeping your bedroom cool can be an effective way to keep them at bay.
Make sure to keep your bedroom temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is the range in which bed mites are less likely to survive.
8. Air Out Your Bedding
Airing out your bedding can help to kill any bed mites that may be lurking in your bedding. Simply remove your bedding and expose it to the sun and fresh air for a few hours.
This will help to dry out any moisture that may be present in your bedding, making it less hospitable for bed mites.
9. Keep Your Bedroom Clean
Keeping your bedroom clean is essential if you want to keep bed mites at bay. Make sure to dust your bedroom regularly, paying attention to surfaces like your nightstands and dressers.
You should also make sure to wash your curtains regularly and remove any clutter that may be providing a hiding place for bed mites.
10. Consult a Professional
If you are still struggling with bed mites despite taking all of these steps, it may be worth consulting a professional. A pest control specialist can help to eliminate any existing bed mites and provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.