Warning: The video above may be considered graphic
A gruesome video from Ohio State University Acarology Lab shows how bedding can become the perfect breeding ground for dust mites. *Shudders*
The clip, which shows thousands of the brown creatures squirming on top of each other among their own yellow faeces, is guaranteed to make you heave.
Commenting on the video, home hygiene expert Dr Lisa Ackerley told the Mail Online: "Humans shed half an ounce of skin week and a lot of that will be in the bed.
"Dust mites like warm moist environments, the bed’s the perfect environment. They reproduce so there will be about 10 million per bed."
She went on to say that while dust mites aren't harmful themselves, their faeces can can cause rhinitis, a cough, dry eyes, eczema and hay fever.
To limit the impact of dust mites in your home, Allergy UK recommend washing all bedding that is not encased in barrier covers (e.g. sheets and blankets) every week. They say that washing at 60° C or above will kill mites.
It seems you really do have to mind the bed bugs don't bite after all.