Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite

A few months ago when I was shopping for a new bed and mattress for my new apartment, I learned a fact that startled me. Apparently, a mattress will double it’s weight in its 8-10 year lifespan. While this figure has been disputed by some it’s still clear that a mattress over its lifespan collects all kinds of dirt, dust, dead skin, body fluids and other unmentionables…including the unwanted common bedbug (Cimex Lectularius).

A recent article in the WSJ claims that bedbugs are on the rise again due to the phasing out of pesticides and chemicals that were keeping them at bay. It’s not clear whether the claims in this article are well-researched or whether the journalist is taking liberty with quoted materials, but one thing is certain: it’s not healthy to ignore such a potential problem.

When I moved in with my girlfriend earlier this year, I had to adapt my lifestyle to meet hers, as she is allergic to so many things. Now, the apartment gets cleaned twice a month, whether or not it needs it. The bedsheets and blankets get washed once a week. Clothes (especially workout clothes) are not allowed to fester and grow mold in piles on the bedroom floor. Taking a shower before bed is a good idea. Dust bunnies under the bed are rounded up and disposed of. Food that has been left in the fridge too long (that I would normally eat anyway) gets tossed.

Perhaps these steps are not just for her benefit. Some days I feel like I’m being trained — though I don’t mind. Trained for what? Marriage? Babies? Last week was my 32nd birthday. I wonder what the next step is…

Posted by Cameron Barrett at April 21, 2005 11:51 AM

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *