Dust Mite
Scientific Name: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Pyroglyphidae
Size: 0.2–0.3 mm in length, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Natural Habitat
Found indoors in high-humidity environments, particularly in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets.
Diet & Feeding
Feeds primarily on dead skin cells (dander) shed by humans and pets.
Behavior Patterns
They prefer dark, warm, and humid conditions. They do not drink water but absorb moisture from the air. Their life cycle includes larval and nymphal stages before reaching adulthood.
Risks & Benefits
They do not bite but are a major source of indoor allergens. Their waste products and decaying body parts can trigger asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis in sensitive individuals.
Identified on: 1/3/2026