Ask yourself this question: “How often do I wash my bed sheets, blankets, and pillow?” If your answer is longer than every two weeks, there’s some bad news for you. You’re sleeping with a ton of dust mites. Mites can sometimes be confused for bed bugs. Gross, right?

Dust mites are microscopic bugs that feed on dead skin cells from humans and their pets. Humans shed off roughly ten grams of dead skin a week, creating a feast for these little critters. A typical mattress can contain tens of thousands of dust mites. Not disturbed yet? Nearly 100,000 mites can live in one square yard of carpet.

While dust mites are considered harmless because they are not known to carry disease, they can cause allergic reactions in asthmatics and others who are allergic to their feces. A single dust mite produces about twenty waste droppings a day. The droppings contain a protein that some people are allergic to. Allergic reactions can range from itchy eyes to full-blown asthma attacks.

For many college students, this article may be a little too late, but there are some things you can do to lower the amount of dust mites you have scattered around your dorm and apartment. For example, dust your room and vacuum your floors regularly. You can buy special dust mite impervious covers for pillows and mattresses. Also, toss your sheets, blankets, and pillow/pillow case in the washer every few weeks. Be sure to wash them in hot water. If you believe your pillow is infested, perhaps it’s time for a new pillow.