Mold Mite (also known as Grain Mite or Tyrophagus spp.)
Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Acaridae
Size: Microscopic; typically 0.3 to 0.45 mm long.
Natural Habitat
Damp, high-humidity environments with organic matter, fungi, or mold. Commonly found in kitchens, pantries, and storage areas.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on fungi, yeast, mold spores, and decaying organic materials like grains and dried foods.
Behavior Patterns
They multiply rapidly in humid conditions. They are often seen as moving white 'dust' on dark surfaces and have a short life cycle that allows populations to explode in high moisture.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause mild skin irritation (Baker's itch) or respiratory allergies in sensitive individuals; they contaminate food sources and indicate a moisture or mold problem. Benefits: None to humans, as they are considered household pests.
Identified on: 1/6/2026