House dust mite

Natural Habitat

Found indoors in high-humidity areas, particularly in upholstered furniture, carpets, mattresses, and bedding.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly detritivorous, feeding on organic detritus such as flakes of shed human and animal skin.

Behavior Patterns

They prefer warm, moist environments and survive by absorbing water from humidity in the air; they aggregate in dark areas where food sources are abundant.

Risks & Benefits

They do not bite but their feces and body parts contain enzymes (Der p 1) that are major triggers for asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis in humans.

Identified on: 1/30/2026