Their hideous appearance apart, dust mite bites vs bed bugs, are quite different. But dust mites are tiny and cannot be seen with bare eyes. You need to have an amazing vision to identify these mites. A fully grown dust mite is about 0.3 millimeters to 0.01 inches. It is tinier than the period mark at the end of all the sentences you see here.
Dust mites have eight legs with a translucent exoskeleton body without any presence of antennae. These dust mites belong to the spider family called Arachnids. However, they have no familiarity with their cousins. The dust mites are oval without any wings attached and are white with strips on them.
Bed bugs are little crawlers that can be seen easily crawling on your bed, furniture, and skin. These tiny insects are much larger compared to the dust mites, which are seed size in appearance. Bed bugs are also oval having six legs with antennae attached.
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Dust mite vs bed bugs habits
Both insects might be present in the same house, but they have different habits in their feeding process. However, humans are their primary source.
Dust mites grow on mattresses. Since you spend 6 to 8 hours sleeping, you shed multiple skin cells during that time. Dust mites survive on these skin cells. Another favorable condition for these dust mites is a humid and dark environment.
You can easily identify bed bugs. Hence, they prefer hiding in crevices and cracks. Apart from your bed, you may also find them hiding in your cupboards, clothes, or even upholsteries. Another characteristic of these bed bugs is that these tiny beings leave their skins and feces, which helps you identify their hiding spots.
Dust mite bites vs bed bugs bites
Bite is not the appropriate way to express what dust mites do to you. If you want to know what dust mite bites look like, you will find them like allergic reactions.
Dust mites affect your body by causing respiratory problems and skin reactions. If you inhale the fecal pellet of these dust mites, you may harm your respiratory organs.
The common dust mites in bed symptoms include coughing, sneezing, teary eyes, nasal congestion, and itchy throats. In severe cases, dust mites can lead to asthma if not treated promptly.
Bed bugs give you itchy bites as they suck on your blood. Even if bed bugs bite, they do not lead to any serious health problems. The only issue is they will not let you sleep as they keep sucking on your blood throughout the night.
Since these are easily identifiable, they prefer coming out in the dark. These bed bugs leave red, swollen rashes on the skin. The reaction automatically heals, but you can try topical OTC medicines to heal them quicker.
Ways to get rid of bed bugs
Nobody wants bugs in their house. While you might want to resort to products from the supermarket, make sure they work. Check reviews to find testimonials before you find out what works best. Till you get the perfect product, here are some natural ways to get rid of bed bugs:
Identify the spots
The first step to getting rid of these bloodsuckers is finding their spots. Since they are easily visible to the human eye, it is not that difficult. Bed bugs leave traces in black spots, so once you find them, all you need to do is get on with the next step.
Hot steam
Once you have the spots, hot steams help destroy them, replacing harmful chemicals. This is the best way to eradicate bed bugs, even from small cracks and crevices.
Since the steam gets into the mattress, it will kill the bugs hiding inside it. You can even use it on your couch, cupboards, and places where you think it may have its nest. It is also proven that bed bugs cannot survive temperatures above 60°C.
Hot washes
Now to get rid of these bugs from your clothes, you can wash them in your washer with hot water over 60°C. Hot washes are the fastest and easiest way to kill bed bugs.
Essential Oils
Spraying different types of essential oils can also help eliminate these bed bugs. For example, tea tree and lavender can soothe you and works as repellent for bugs.
Ways to get rid of dust mites
Dust mites don’t bite, but they do cause some serious respiratory issues. If you have an allergic condition, dust mites might worsen the situation. Below are a few natural ways that can help you get rid of them:
Medicines to prevent allergy
Since there are high chances of getting allergies because of dust mites, it is better to stock up on a few anti-allergens at home.
Making use of a vacuum cleaner
When you start vacuuming frequently with a proper vacuum cleaner and use it efficiently, it can help prevent dust mites. Rather than mopping or dusting, using a vacuum cleaner is the best way to get rid of dust mites. If you do not have one, purchase one with a filter (HEPA) that can trap most of the dust from your mats, rugs, and beds. HEPA filters help in sealing the particles within the container.
Frequent change of bedding
One of the best ways to get rid of them is to frequently change your sheets and pillowcases so that they do not nest on your bed. Also, try using sheets with fewer pores, less than 15 microns, which helps prevent dust mites.
You should know that general pest control will not resolve problems associated with bugs and mites. If you are looking for infestation solutions, connect with a pest control service provider to know if they can help you here.
How to get rid of dust mite bites
Treating yourself is the only way you can get rid of these allergy-breeding elements. Even if you want to deal with mild itchiness, letting an allergy sit on you for a long time is not healthy.
Your symptoms will make you want immediate relief. It is best to consult a general physician and find out if the following suggestions work best:
Antihistamines
When our bodies encounter an allergy, it naturally produces histamine. To fight this, we need medicines that work against them. Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, etc. are brands that sell antihistamines.
Freeing from congestion
While dust mite bites vs bed bugs have differences in terms of reaction, they both negatively impact respiratory systems. If your nose feels stuffy or you have sinus headaches, you might need decongestants to reduce mucus.
Medication
If the dust mites in bed symptoms lead to severe consequences, you might need nasal corticosteroids or oral leukotriene receptor antagonists.
Injections against allergies
If your home is frequent to dust mites, you might have bites more often than you think. While we have added preventive steps below, including allergy shots on your list is wise.
An allergy shot protects you from severity and builds your immunity against bugs and mites. Doctors monitor allergy shots for a certain time. It can take months before your doctor allows discontinuation. Moreover, you must undergo allergy testing before being eligible for a shot.
How do you prevent dust mite build-up?
The best way to avoid allergies is to take preventive measures. When looking at dust mite bites vs bed bugs trouble quotient, you might find it tough to eradicate both together.
Here are some ways on how you can reduce dust mites at home:
- If carpets are not your utmost favorite, you are better off without them
- If you have carpets, you should maintain a weekly schedule to deep clean and vacuum daily
- Dusting is essential and a must-do for every nook and cranny
- If you have blinds, they need proper dusting as some areas are hard to reach
- Maintaining low humidity in the house makes conditions unfavorable for dust mites to prevail
- Filters to capture allergens are a must for air conditioners
- Cleaning vacuums to ensure every tiny fecal particle washes away is necessary
- Once a week, wash bedding and use hot water to do so
- Try to use zipped pillowcases or mattresses for dust mite prevention
How are they treated?
Are you looking for dust mite bites vs bed bugs, as you do not know what bit you? Well, first, it is best to take a cold-water bath and rinse yourself with soap. Cold water will not only soothe your itch but also reduce the pain.
Add your clothes to the washer as they are not safe from the mites. Once done, change your bedding. It would help to sunny dry the bedding to ensure they are free from mites and bugs.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you need anti-itch creams. The perfect ones would be antihistamines that include hydrocortisone. If you go through a doctor’s check-up, they suggest oral medicines. For painful mite bites, you would need anesthetic creams.
You are prone to severe itching due to dust mite bites. However, scratching the effective area can trigger an infection. Use an ice pack as an immediate aid to soothe the pain. However, resort to topical creams for ultimate relief.
When to see a doctor?
If the mite that bites you is scabies, you will need a doctor’s assistance. Most other mite bites are not that severe and heal with time.
You should visit a pharmacist and take a topical cream to soothe the itch quicker. However, you should visit a doctor if:
- your bites do not heal within 10 days
- the pain and itchiness do not seem to go
- you have signs of infection
- you have fever
- the affected area is leaking fluid
A severe condition from dust mites or bed bugs can be an immediate respiratory issue. If you have breathing trouble, you need emergency medical assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find out if I have dust mites?
The symptoms of dust mite bites are the only way to find out if your house has this spreading infestation. Since these are too tiny to be seen by the naked eye, this is the only way to find out. Once you do, you must deep clean.
How to know your house might have mites?
Dust mites do not happen in one standalone home. If you find your neighbors complaining about dust mites, you might soon complain about them too! Symptoms like rash, sneezing, and itching are starting signs that they are at their work.
How to dust mite bites look?
Stings and burrows into your skin will indicate dust mite bites. While you might think it is a rash, it will have red circles around it. It also reflects the impact of fecal matter on your body and requires immediate attention.
Final thoughts
No matter how mild dust mites or bed bugs are, you should not allow them to stay back at home! These are extremely harmful to small children and pets.
Take preventive measures not to let these tiny particles get on your nerve. Talk to your doctor and call for anti-infestation services.