Stored Product Mite

Natural Habitat

Grain silos, kitchens, food storage areas with high humidity, and damp organic material.

Diet & Feeding

Fuels on cereals, flour, dried fruits, cheese, and fungi/mold growing on organic matter.

Behavior Patterns

They prefer damp conditions (over 60% humidity) and can multiply rapidly in stash areas; they often appear as a fine 'dust' on the surface of food products.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include food contamination and 'Grocer's Itch' (dermatitis) or respiratory allergies in humans. Benefits are negligible as they are considered significant pests of stored goods.

Identified on: 1/5/2026