Flour mite
Scientific Name: Acarus siro
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Acaridae
Size: Typically very small, usually 0.3-0.7 mm in length, making them barely visible to the naked eye. Often appear as a 'dust' or 'crawling powder' on infested materials.
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in stored food products, pantries, bakeries, food processing facilities, and warehouses, especially in damp and warm conditions. They can infest bags of flour, grain bins, and food containers.
Diet & Feeding
Flour mites feed on a variety of stored food products, particularly cereals, grains, flour, dried fruits, cheese, and pet food. They consume the nutrients in these products and can also spread fungi and bacteria.
Behavior Patterns
Flour mites thrive in high humidity (above 65%) and temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). They reproduce quickly under favorable conditions. They tend to infest areas with stored food products and are often found in dusty, undisturbed environments. Their presence often indicates poor storage conditions or high moisture.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant economic losses by contaminating and spoiling stored food products, making them unfit for consumption. Ingestion of contaminated food can cause allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues, or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. They can also transfer mold and bacteria to food. Benefits: No known direct benefits to humans or ecosystems. They are primarily considered pests.
Identified on: 9/4/2025