House Dust Mite / Skin Flake
Scientific Name: Dermatophagoides farinae / Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Pyroglyphidae
Size: 0.2–0.3 mm (microscopic)
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically carpets, bedding, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
Primary diet consists of dead human skin cells (dander) and organic debris.
Behavior Patterns
They thrive in humid conditions and are often attached to the skin flakes they consume. They are invisible to the naked eye.
Risks & Benefits
Major source of indoor allergens; their waste products and decaying bodies can trigger asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis in humans.
Identified on: 12/28/2025