What’s the Difference Between Bed Bugs and Dust Mites?

Dust mites and bed bugs are very different organisms and affect humans in very different ways. Dust mites are present in every room of every home, facilities such as hotels and nursing homes and just about any building; beg bugs are not.

Dust mites are microscopic bugs that primarily live on dead skin cells shed regularly from humans and their pets. They don’t carry disease, but they can cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous allergic reactions in people who are allergic to their faeces. A single dust mite produces about 20 waste droppings (faeces) each day, each containing a protein to which many people are allergic. Depending on the person and exposure, reactions can range from itchy red eyes, headaches, nasal and sinus problems, sore throat, fatigue, ore even depression. And, unlike other types of mites, house dust mites are not parasites since they only eat dead skin.

Bed bugs, on the other hand, are small, wingless insects that are part of the arachnid family that feed solely upon the blood of warm-blooded animals. Bed bugs and their relatives have evolved as nest parasites. Certain kinds inhabit bird nests and bat roosts and await the return of their hosts; others have adapted well to living in the “nests” (homes) of people. Hatchling bed bugs are about the size of a poppy seed, with adults about a quarter-inch in length. Bed bugs seek out people and animals, generally at night while these hosts are asleep, and painlessly sip a few drops of blood. While feeding, they inject a tiny amount of their saliva into the skin. Repeated exposure to bed bug bites during a period of several weeks or more causes people to become sensitized to the saliva of these bugs; additional bites may then result in mild allergic responses. The skin lesion produced by the bite of a bed bug resembles those caused by many other kinds of blood feeding insects, such as mosquitoes and fleas.

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Many people do not know the difference between bed bugs and dust mites. One is a parasite while the other is only a scavenger. Nobody wants to think about an infestation but if you have bed bugs or are allergic to dust mites, you will need to take action. The fact remains that whether you stay in a four star hotel or meticulously clean you house, you can still encounter both.

Towards healthier living, Carol Parr ♥

As Building Biologists, we have acquired knowledge of adverse health effects and recommend effective strategies to reduce occupants’ exposure by eliminating and controlling as many sources of pollutants in order to create healthy indoor living environments that are as exposure-free and natural as practically possible.

Author

  • Carol Parr

    We’re glad you’re here. We’re Carol and Tony, founders of one of the longest running Healthy Home Blogs in the world, Mitey Fresh Australia. We’ve been on this journey for the last 25 years and are passionate about helping families sift through health hazards and triggers like allergens, mould, water damage, chemicals and EMFs, to get clarity about what’s toxic and what’s not so they can create a healthy and happy home for their family they love. Each month, people visit this blog seeking focus on the health and wellbeing of their loved ones, sustainable and effective practice tips and guides, to help create and manage healthier indoor spaces, improve the built environment that is pleasing to the senses and support healthy living and nature, every day. Starting this blog was to help change people’s lives, one family at a time, and we can’t wait to share how its allowed us to stand next to you and show you how interpreting these synergies between buildings and the environment they are built in will impact upon the health and well-being of those who occupy them. Find out more about Healthy Homes and what this blog can do for you!

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