All over your pillows and duvets, there are creatures you can neither see nor hear. They are house dust mites, and they are everywhere, Fox News reports. These strange insects live where humans live, thrive on the tiny flakes of skin that constantly shed off of our bodies and can cause serious health problems, including allergies and debilitating asthma.

Due to their tiny size, house dust mites are almost invisible to the human eye. Males live an average of 10 to 19 days and females live up to 70 days, busily producing as many as 100 eggs. Thus, mites reproduce rapidly. 

To help reduce mite allergies, vacuum carpets and couches regularly, especially under and behind pillows. Wash all bedding on a regular basis, including pillows and duvets. Use hot water and some bleach to eradicate the mites. Drying on high heat will also kill mites, thereby ending their reproductive cycle.

Additionally, home air filtration units can remove house dust mites and micro-particles of their feces from the air, creating a safer breathing environment. Some vacuum cleaners also contain micro-particle filters, and can help to reduce mite populations and mite-related particles in the home. Using these types of vacuums on mattresses can also help to reduce mite concentration.

Homes with wall-to wall carpeting are especially excellent breeding grounds for house dust mites, whereas hard, wooden floors provide a poor environment for mites to flourish. In cases of severe mite allergies in the home, carpeting may need to be removed entirely.