Ever had that icky feeling that, despite your squeaky-clean home, dust mites still find a way in? Surprise, surprise! Dust mites, also known as bed mites, love to snuggle in your cozy bed. The combo of human skin flakes and body heat on your mattress creates a paradise for these tiny critters. Dust mite bites and mosquito bites could pass as twins, but dust mite itches hang around for a week or two. Spot tiny blood stains or little black dots on your sheets? That's the mite squad signaling their unwelcome presence. And if you catch a dust mite strolling across your pillow, it's probably been crashing at your place for over six months!
And guess what? Your domestic helper might unknowingly roll out the red carpet for these uninvited guests! How's that possible, you ask? Let's dive into the dusty details of how your helper could be a dust mite courier.
According to a pest control expert interviewed by the press, domestic helpers are the second leading cause of household dust mite issues in Toronto, right after furniture imported from the mainland. Most helpers hail from tropical regions, and the boarding houses they stay in before joining your household might not be the epitome of cleanliness, making them potential dust mite magnets. These mites can hitch a ride on clothes and luggage straight into your home. Even if your helper arrives mite-free, weekend outings could turn into mite exchange programs with their peers. And the kicker? Many helpers won't speak up about dust mite bites until the homeowner detects an infestation, by which time, the mites have firmly established themselves in your abode.
The thought of being mite-munched in your sleep is the stuff of nightmares. Craving a solution? We chatted with a pro from Top Pest Control to share some preventative tips for homeowners with helpers.
First off, even a couple of dust mites can quickly turn into a full-blown invasion, especially if they're carrying eggs. The last-resort solution? Have your helper spend a night in a hotel, getting their clothes high-temperature washed at a laundromat and ditching their luggage before stepping into your home. This ensures a mite-free entry.
If booking a hotel seems too extravagant, there's plan B. Provide your helper with a fresh set of clothes to change into right at the doorstep. All their garments should then be washed in water hotter than 80°C. As for the luggage, it's best to bid it farewell and get a new one for your helper. You never know how many mite eggs are lurking in there.
A home infested with dust mites is no joke. Act fast at the first sign of trouble. For more info on home pest control services, reach out to a professional extermination company to nip your dust mite woes in the bud.
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