Dust mites mostly live in beds and their allergen is a strong trigger in some asthmatics. Here’s how to get rid of it.
Ticks are related to spiders, but they are invisible to the naked eye as they are only 0.2–0.4 millimeters in size. They do not live more than three months at temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and are ubiquitous in fabrics such as curtains, draperies, soft toys, pillows, bedding and mattresses.
They do not bite and do not transmit disease; they feed on dead skin, which is removed every day. Their droppings and the remains of their shells can cause allergies, especially in people with asthma.
These tiny insects love warm, humid places like beds, so they mostly nest where you sleep.
To protect yourself and avoid the inconvenience of allergies, it’s best to wrap your mattress and spring unit in hypoallergenic zip covers. Choose breathable styles that are more comfortable than plastic ones that can be sticky in hot weather.
Effective treatment
To dissolve chitin, a component of the beetle’s shell, use baking soda, which is harmless to humans and pets.
- Sprinkle the mattress with about 20 grams of baking soda per square meter.
- Leave for 24 hours.
- Vacuum thoroughly.
Feel free to reopen the operation regularly and don’t forget to vigorously vacuum the mattress, as well as furniture and fabric-covered items, several times a week. Also, wash your bedding in hot water often.
Finally, during the cold season, it is recommended to keep the humidity level in the room below 55%.