Dust Mite

Scientific Name: Dermatophagoides spp.

Order & Family: Order Sarcoptiformes, Family Pyroglyphidae

Size: Approximately 0.2-0.3 mm (0.008-0.012 inches)

Dust Mite

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in human dwellings, particularly in bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and clothing. They thrive in warm, humid environments.

Diet & Feeding

They primarily feed on dead skin cells shed by humans and animals, as well as dander, pollen, and fungal spores.

Behavior Patterns

Dust mites are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. They are not parasitic on humans or pets; they don't bite or sting. They reproduce rapidly in favorable conditions. Their lifecycle involves egg, larval, nymphal, and adult stages.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include triggering allergic reactions (asthma, eczema, rhinitis) in sensitive individuals due to their fecal matter and body fragments. They offer no known benefits to humans or ecosystems in this context.

Identified on: 10/29/2025