Mold Mite (also Tyrophagus Mite or Cheese Mite)
Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Acaridae
Size: Extremely small, usually between 0.3mm to 0.45mm (visible to the naked eye as moving dust motes, but requires magnification for detail).
Natural Habitat
Typically found in environments with high humidity and molds; common in stored food products (grains, cheese, dried meat), decaying organic matter, and damp household areas.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on fungi (mold) growing on damp surfaces or food, but will also consume foods rich in protein and fat like cheese, ham, grain, and pet food.
Behavior Patterns
They reproduce rapidly in humid conditions. They are often seen as 'moving dust' due to their tiny size. They aggregate in large populations where mold is present.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can contaminate stored food products, rendering them inedible. Their bodies and waste products are potent allergens known to trigger allergic rhinitis, asthma, or dermatitis (grocer's itch) in sensitive individuals. Benefits: They act as decomposers in the wild.
Identified on: 2/16/2026