Mold Mites / Grain Mites
Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Order & Family: Sarcoptiformes; Acaridae
Size: 0.3 to 0.5 mm (nearly microscopic to the naked eye)
Natural Habitat
Damp areas with high humidity, kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms with mold or food spills.
Diet & Feeding
Fungi, mold, yeasts, and high-protein/fat food sources like grains, seeds, and cheese.
Behavior Patterns
They reproduce rapidly in humid conditions; when populations boom, they may look like 'moving dust' on surfaces.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite humans but can cause skin irritation (mange) or allergic reactions (asthma/rhinitis) if inhaled or handled; they are an indoor nuisance and can contaminate food supplies.
Identified on: 6/25/2026