Dust Mite

Natural Habitat

Human dwellings, especially beds, carpets, upholstered furniture, and clothing, thriving in warm, humid environments.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily feed on shed human and animal skin flakes (dander).

Behavior Patterns

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that avoid light and reproduce rapidly, especially in high humidity. They are not parasites and do not bite or burrow into skin.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include triggering allergic reactions (asthma, eczema, rhinitis) in sensitive individuals due to their fecal pellets and body fragments. There are no known direct benefits to humans or specific ecosystems, beyond their role as decomposers of organic matter.

Identified on: 9/7/2025