Dust Mite
Scientific Name: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Order & Family: Sarcoptiformes / Pyroglyphidae
Size: 0.2–0.3 mm (micrometers in length)
Natural Habitat
Dust Mites live primarily in indoor environments, specifically in fabrics, carpets, bedding, and upholstered furniture.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on microscopic flakes of dead human and animal skin cells (dander).
Behavior Patterns
They are microscopic and translucent. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and spend their life cycle within household dust.
Risks & Benefits
A major risk is they are a primary source of indoor allergens, causing asthma and allergic reactions in humans. They do not bite or transmit disease.
Identified on: 12/27/2025