Mold Mite (also known as Tyroglyphid mite)
Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes; Family: Acaridae
Size: 0.3 to 0.45 mm (nearly invisible to the naked eye; appearing as dust-like moving specks)
Natural Habitat
Found in environments with high humidity and mold, including pantries, kitchens, damp basements, and stored food products.
Diet & Feeding
Fungivorous; they primarily feed on mold, fungi, and high-protein/fat stored foods like seeds, nuts, cheese, and dried meats.
Behavior Patterns
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.
Risks & Benefits
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.
Identified on: 4/15/2026