Mold Mite (also known as Tyroglyphid mite)

Found in environments with high humidity and mold, including pantries, kitchens, damp basements, and stored food products.

Fungivorous; they primarily feed on mold, fungi, and high-protein/fat stored foods like seeds, nuts, cheese, and dried meats.

They reproduce rapidly in humid conditions. When populations are high, they appear as a moving 'dust'. They exhibit a phoretic behavior where they hitch rides on other insects to travel to new food sources.

They do not bite or sting humans, but they can cause allergic reactions ('grocer's itch') and respiratory issues if inhaled. They are considered pests as they contaminate food supplies with mold spores and waste.