House Dust Mite
Scientific Name: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes; Family: Pyroglyphidae
Size: 0.2–0.3 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found in domestic environments, particularly in bedding, carpets, and upholstery where humidity is high.
Diet & Feeding
Feed on organic detritus, primarily dander (skin scales) shed from humans and animals.
Behavior Patterns
They thrive in warm, humid conditions (70-80% relative humidity) and are globally distributed in human dwellings.
Risks & Benefits
Major source of allergens; their waste products and carcasses can trigger asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis in sensitive individuals.
Identified on: 6/3/2026