Mold Mite

Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae

Order & Family: Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae

Size: 0.3 - 0.5 mm

Mold Mite

Natural Habitat

High humidity environments with fungal growth, including kitchens, bathrooms, and stored food products.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on fungi, yeast, and organic matter rich in protein and fat, such as grain, cheese, and seeds.

Behavior Patterns

Rapid reproduction in damp conditions; they are often noticed as moving dust on dark surfaces when populations explode.

Risks & Benefits

Non-biting and harmless to structures, but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and contaminate stored food.

Identified on: 1/6/2026