Mold Mite

Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae

Order & Family: Sarcoptiformes, Acaridae

Size: 0.3 to 0.45 mm

Mold Mite

Natural Habitat

High humidity environments with organic decay, damp food products, or fungal growth

Diet & Feeding

Primary diet consists of fungi, yeasts, and bacteria found on decaying organic matter or moldy food

Behavior Patterns

These mites are prolific breeders in moist conditions; they often appear as moving 'dust' on surfaces when populations explode

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to structure but can cause skin irritation (dermatitis) or respiratory allergies in humans; they indicate an underlying moisture or mold issue

Identified on: 12/31/2025