Dust mites are extremely difficult to see with the naked eye and are tiny microscopic spiders. They are less than half a mm long and are translucent with eight legs. Bedbugs, on the other hand, can be seen by the naked eye and are a red/brown colour with flat bodies and only 6 legs.

If bedbugs are present you will be able to see them and also red/brown dots from overfeeding on blood. As we have said before in previous blogs, bedbugs are mainly found in the bedroom and they survive in the small crevices around your bed and bed area. That said they can be found wherever we sleep be it a favourite chair or a bed.  Bed bugs are active at night whilst we are asleep and emitting CO2. Bedbug bites are itchy and painful. As we have discussed before, infestations of bedbugs can spread rapidly so it’s essential to manage the problem as soon as you think you have an issue.

On the other hand, dust mites can be found in any area of your home or any property, but are more prevalent in places such as the bedroom and kitchen – They are particularly found in pillows and bedding due to the moisture from when we sleep. They thrive on dead skin cells shed from humans and pets. So washing bedding and pet bedding regularly, using protector sheets, regularly replacing these items as well as vacuuming regularly is essential to manage this issue.  Whilst dust mites don’t bite the reaction to them can look and feel like a bite in the form of a skin rash.

So when you get into your hotel room, apartment, caravan or wherever this half term takes you, keep a look out for bedbugs as we have advised, but be aware that it may the lowly dust mite that is giving you the itch. Always remember:    Know Your Enemy!