Never Home Alone: From Microbes to Millipedes, Camel Crickets, and Honeybees, the Natural History of Where We Live

Rob Dunn's book "Never Home Alone" explores the diverse species that live in our homes, including harmful ones that can pose risks to our health. Despite our efforts to clean and sterilize, thousands of species have been living alongside us, unnoticed. This has led to the emergence of new parasites and the threat of antibiotic-resistant microbes. However, many helpful organisms are also at risk. We must learn to coexist with these unknown guests to thrive in our homes.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 14 March 2019
\n Publisher: Basic Books
\n

For many of us, the idea of having the house entirely to ourselves after a long week is a dream come true. We imagine a peaceful and serene environment, free from the presence of partners, parents, children, and pets. However, as we settle into our couches, a subtle disturbance may occur. Maybe a mouse darts out from under a cupboard, or a fly buzzes lazily past the window. Despite our belief that we are alone, the truth is that we are not.

Until recently, the life that inhabits our homes has been largely ignored and overlooked. It was not until Rob Dunn and his team decided to take a closer look that we began to understand the vast biodiversity that exists within our living spaces.

Upon investigating the terra incognita of our homes, they discovered a staggering 200,000 species living in our bedrooms, kitchens, living areas, bathrooms, and basements. These species include a wide range of organisms, from insects and bacteria to fungi and plants. Some of these species can be harmful to us, while others can provide us with significant benefits. However, almost all of them were previously unknown, and they have been coexisting with us for an extended period.

In his book, Never Home Alone, biologist Rob Dunn takes us on a journey to the edge of biology's latest frontier: our own homes. He reveals the incredible diversity of life that exists within our living spaces, and the implications of this discovery.

As we have become increasingly obsessed with cleaning and sterilizing our homes and separating our living spaces from nature, we have unwittingly cultivated an entirely new playground for evolution. This has led to the emergence of a range of new parasites, including antibiotic-resistant microbes and nearly impossible-to-kill cockroaches. These organisms pose a significant threat to our health and well-being.

At the same time, many of the more helpful organisms that inhabit our homes are also at risk. Microbes that can protect us from autoimmune diseases, promote healthy digestion, or hunt down pests like cockroaches are often caught in the crossfire of our cleaning efforts.

The book also highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the biodiversity that exists within our homes. By learning more about the organisms that live with us, we can develop strategies to coexist peacefully with them and even harness their potential benefits. This may involve simple changes such as reducing the use of harsh chemicals in our cleaning products or providing habitats for beneficial organisms.

In conclusion, Never Home Alone is a thought-provoking and eye-opening book that sheds light on the hidden world of biodiversity that exists within our homes. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world that surrounds us. By taking a closer look at the life that lives with us, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of our homes and the organisms that inhabit them.

\n Weight: 554g\n
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 35 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781541645769\n \n