
Community identification
House Dust Mite
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.