Dust Mite
Scientific Name: Dermatophagoides species (e.g., Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae)
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Pyroglyphidae
Size: Microscopic, typically 0.2-0.3 mm (0.008-0.012 inches) in length, making them invisible to the naked eye.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, particularly in household dust, bedding, mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, and curtains. They prefer temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F) and relative humidity levels of 70-80%.
Diet & Feeding
Dust mites feed primarily on organic detritus such as flakes of shed human and animal skin (dander), as well as other microscopic organisms like pollen, fungi, and bacteria.
Behavior Patterns
Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments. They typically hide within mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, and bedding. They are not parasites and do not bite or sting but are a significant source of allergens. Their fecal matter and decaying body parts are the primary allergenic components. They reproduce quickly under favorable conditions.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Dust mites are a major allergen for many people, triggering allergic reactions such as asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and conjunctivitis. Symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and difficulty breathing. They do not transmit diseases. Benefits: As decomposers, they play a minor role in breaking down organic matter, but their primary impact on humans is negative due to their allergenic properties.
Identified on: 8/27/2025