We spend about a third of our lives asleep, so it's no surprise that our mattresses can become home to some pretty unwelcome houseguests. From dust mites to bed bugs, there are a number of critters that love nothing more than a cozy mattress to call their own.
Dust mites are by far the most common residents of our mattresses. These tiny creatures are invisible to the naked eye and thrive in warm, humid environments. They feed on dead skin cells, which we shed constantly, and their feces contain a protein that can trigger asthma and other respiratory problems.
Bed bugs are another unwelcome hitchhiker that can end up in our beds. These small, reddish-brown insects feed on blood and are most active at night. They're experts at hiding in cracks and crevices, which is why they're often difficult to spot.
While neither dust mites nor bed bugs are harmful to our health, they can both be extremely pesky. If you suspect you have either of these critters in your mattress, be sure to wash all of your bedding in hot water and vacuum your mattress thoroughly. You may also want to consider encasing your mattress in a dust-proof or