Dust Bunnies: How They Are Playing Havoc With Your IT!

Many of you out there may have heard of Dust Bunnies but aren’t really sure what they are or if they exist? I am here to tell you that they are very real and very dangerous, despite their innocent sounding name!

What are they?

Dust bunnies are a compilation of hair, lint, dead skin and dust for the most part, and can form in any space large or small, especially with wood furniture and carpets in the area.

What do they do?

Dust bunnies are deadly to electronics, as they can obstruct air flow by clogging fans and heat sinks, raising temperatures to an unacceptable degree, and shortening the life of electronic components. Dust bunnies thrive in closed spaces with improper air flow spacing between the computer and the wall. Carpeting is also a major contributor to helping create dust bunnies, as well as provide static electricity, which is also deadly to electronic components. When opening a computer on a carpeted floor, it is recommended to wear a static bracelet, or discharge any static within yourself by touching metal before touching any electrical components inside a computer. Static electricity will fry your electronic components inside your computer rendering them virtually useless, and you run the risk of data loss.

What can I do?

It is recommended that you have the inside of your computer inspected monthly, and have compressed air blowing the excess dust out of the computer, and not using a vacuum cleaner to suck it out. Make sure that you have at least 5 inches between the wall and the back of your computer to provide the proper air flow. Also, consider having the computer off the floor on a desk or stand, if you have enough room for it there. Never have your computer opened unless it is done by a professional, who can take the right precautions and safeguards. Store your servers in a room with tile flooring and proper air conditioning and don’t keep clutter around your computers.

I have seen some very scary dust bunnies out there and some still give me nightmares to this day! Do not feed the dust bunnies and help keep the dust bunny population under control. If you need some assistance, talk to one of our associates, who would be more than happy to help you. Please contact us at 1-866-320-8922. Don’t let your computers suffer like these innocent ones below.