Mold Mite
Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Order & Family: Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae
Size: 0.3 to 0.45 mm

Natural Habitat
High humidity environments including kitchens, bathrooms, and stored food products with mold growth.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on fungi, yeast, and organic matter rich in protein and fat.
Behavior Patterns
Rapid reproduction in warm, humid conditions; they are often found in large aggregations when food sources are abundant.
Risks & Benefits
Can cause skin irritation (grocer's itch) and allergic reactions/asthma in humans; known to damage stored food and laboratory cultures.
Identified on: 1/6/2026