Bed Bugs

Don't let the bed bugs bite....

WARNING: skip this section if you are squeamish!

Bed Bugs are nasty little rascals and where they reside generally has very little to do with living conditions.  If you have a bed bug problem you are not alone - many places worldwide are currently experiencing an increase in bed bug invasions.  Once a bed bug has been exposed in you home they can breed crazily quickly and you are left with an infestation. 

Using a mattress or pillow protector can protect your bedding from the infestation and can save you from having to throw away your mattress.  However, no matter what protection you have it is always advisable to call in a pest control professional in order to permanently banish those mischievous rascals.

The dust mite is another roguish little scamp that cannot be seen with the naked eye.  It survives by consuming dead skin.  This sounds disgusting but dead skin is all around in nearly everyone's house.  The bed, in particular, is full of it as we generally spend more time in bed than anywhere else.  Numerous people suffer from allergic reactions to the waste that dust mites leave behind so here are a few tips for keeping them at bay:

Floors and curtains
Carpets hold a lot of dust and therefore are a favourite environment for dust mites.  Floor boards, vinyl or stone flooring and short pile carpet are mite-hostile alternatives.  Curtains are a similar mite favourite.  Blinds are an alternative but you will need to damp dust them weekly to stop the dust accumulation.  Most importantly, vacuum everywhere frequently. 

Mattress and Bed Linen
Wash all bed linen weekly in temperatures above 60 degrees centigrade to clear the dust and kill the mites.  Turn your mattress over regularly and vacuum it.

Mattress and Pillow Protectors and Teddy
Mattress and pillow protectors are probably the single most important item to purchase in order to arm yourself in the battle against dust mites.  They stop dust getting at the mattress and pillows and stop any mites under them escaping.  The mattress and pillow protectors need be washed at 60 degrees regularly to kill any mites clinging on underneath.  Unfortunately, we don't make protectors for poor little Teddy and he is of the most infested items in the household.  It makes sense really since he is cuddled tightly every night and is rarely washed.  We wouldn't dare suggest you get rid of such a treasured item but washing him with your bed linen is recommended or, for the more delicate of soft toys, place them in the freezer for the day and then vacuum them.