House Dust Mite
Scientific Name: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Pyroglyphidae
Size: 0.2–0.3 mm (micrometers)
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture
Diet & Feeding
Feed on dead human and animal skin cells
Behavior Patterns
Microscopic arachnids that thrive in humid environments; they produce multiple waste pellets daily and are invisible to the naked eye.
Risks & Benefits
Significant cause of indoor allergens, triggering asthma and allergic reactions; no benefit to humans.
Identified on: 6/3/2026