Mold Mite

Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae

Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes; Family: Acaridae

Size: 0.3 to 0.45 mm (nearly microscopic)

Mold Mite

Natural Habitat

Damp environments with high humidity, kitchens, bathrooms, and stored products like grains or paper where mold grows.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily fungal spores and mold; they also feed on organic debris and high-protein/fat stored foods.

Behavior Patterns

They congregate in large numbers where moisture and food are abundant. They have a high reproductive rate in humid conditions and can enter a dormant 'hypopus' stage to survive unfavorable environments.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite or sting but can cause allergic reactions ('grocer's itch') and respiratory issues in sensitive individuals. They indicate a moisture or mold problem that needs addressing.

Identified on: 6/5/2026