Mold Mite
Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Order & Family: Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae
Size: 0.3 - 0.5 mm

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