Mold Mite
Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Order & Family: Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae
Size: 0.3–0.45 mm (nearly invisible to the naked eye without a magnifying glass)
Natural Habitat
Damp indoor environments with high humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where mold or fungi grow.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on mold, fungi, and occasionally stored food products like grains, seeds, or cheese.
Behavior Patterns
They reproduce rapidly in humid conditions. They do not bite humans but appear as moving white dust particles on dark surfaces.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite or spread disease but can cause allergic reactions (dermatitis or respiratory issues) in sensitive individuals; they indicate a moisture or mold problem in the home.
Identified on: 6/25/2026