Household Dust Mite
Scientific Name: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus / Dermatophagoides farinae
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes Familia: Pyroglyphidae
Size: 0.2 to 0.3 millimeters (nearly invisible to the naked eye).
Natural Habitat
Indoors in areas where skin cells accumulate, such as mattresses, carpets, upholstered furniture, and dusty corners.
Diet & Feeding
Primary diet consists of dead skin cells (dander) shed by humans and pets.
Behavior Patterns
They thrive in humid environments (above 50% relative humidity) and are sensitive to light/dryness; they spend their lives deep within fabric fibers.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include being a primary trigger for indoor allergies and asthma due to allergenic proteins in their waste and decaying bodies. No known benefits.
Identified on: 2/3/2026