Dust Mite

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, particularly in beds, carpets, upholstered furniture, and clothing, where they feed on shed human and animal skin cells.

Diet & Feeding

Dead skin flakes (dander) from humans and pets.

Behavior Patterns

They thrive in warm, humid conditions. Dust mites are not parasitic; they do not bite or burrow into skin. They reproduce quickly under favorable conditions and their waste products (feces and shed exoskeletons) are major allergens.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, such as asthma, rhinitis, and eczema. There are no direct benefits to humans, as they are primarily considered household pests from a health perspective.

Identified on: 10/29/2025