Dust mite

Found indoors worldwide, primarily in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets where human dander accumulates.

Particles of organic detritus, primarily dead human and animal skin cells.

They prefer warm, humid environments (70-80% humidity). They do not bite or live on humans; instead, they scavenge the environment for shed skin. They follow a life cycle of egg, larva, protonymph, tritonymph, and adult over about 3-5 weeks.

Significant risk to humans as a major source of allergens. Their feces and body parts contain proteins that trigger asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis. There are no known ecological or human benefits.