Mold Mite
Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes; Family: Acaridae
Size: 0.3 to 0.45 mm (nearly microscopic)

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