As Ireland’s heatwave conditions continue, experts are warning anyone sleeping with their windows open to be aware of the hidden risks.
Many people across Ireland are struggling to sleep with the heat(Image: Getty Images)
Sweltering conditions have gripped Ireland this week, and while Thursday is expected to bring the hottest temperatures yet, Met Eireann has warned the heatwave conditions isn’t over just yet.
The national forecaster has extended its nationwide Status Yellow high temperature warning, which had been due to expire on Friday morning, until 9am on Saturday.
The alert states: “Maximum temperatures in excess of 27C in many counties combined with night-time minima in excess of 15C expected.”
For many households, it’s the warm, muggy nights proving the biggest challenge. With bedrooms refusing to cool down, plenty of people have been sleeping with their windows wide open in the hope of getting some relief.
However, experts have warned that doing so could invite more than just a cool breeze into your home.
Window specialists at My Home Improvements say the current spell of warm, humid weather has created ideal conditions for insects, with open bedroom windows providing an easy way inside.
They said: “With the weather turning both warm and wet, insects are becoming more active, and open windows at night create an easy entry point
“We always recommend using window screens or restrictors to keep unwanted pests out – especially when lights are on and you’re fast asleep.
“We understand people want to keep cool during nights, but with the current mix of humidity there’s no question – bugs are on the move. If you’re sleeping with your window wide open, you’re also sleeping with your guard down.”
Open windows can attract everything from spiders and moths to mosquitoes and midges.
Spiders often wander indoors looking for shelter, while moths are drawn towards bedroom lights and can end up circling lamps or settling on bedding and clothing.
Meanwhile, mosquitoes and midges thrive during warm, humid evenings. Once inside, they can buzz around bedrooms throughout the night and leave behind itchy bites.
There is one common myth, however, that the experts experts say people shouldn’t worry about. While many have heard stories about spiders crawling into people’s mouths while they sleep, they say the chances of this happening are extremely low, as spiders are usually put off by the vibrations and sounds made by sleeping humans.
Leaving windows open overnight can also make it harder to get a good night’s sleep for other reasons.
Open windows allow more outside noise into the home, from early morning birds chirping to passing traffic, barking dogs and late-night revellers. They can also pose a security risk, particularly for people living in ground-floor apartments, flats and bungalows, where an open window may present an easy opportunity for opportunistic burglars.
If you’re looking to keep your bedroom cool without inviting unwanted visitors inside, experts recommend fitting magnetic or clip on insect screens, using window restrictors to allow ventilation without fully opening windows, switching off bedroom lights to reduce insect attraction, or airing the room before bed instead of leaving windows open all night.
Natural bug deterrents like peppermint or citronella sprayed around window frames may also help keep insects away while temperatures remain high.
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