Mold Mite
Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Order & Family: Sarcoptiformes / Acaridae
Size: 0.3 to 0.45 mm (Often appear as tiny white moving specks or dust)

Natural Habitat
High moisture environments with mold or fungi, including damp fabrics, stored food products, and decaying organic matter.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on mold, fungi, and high-protein/fat stored products like grains, seeds, and dried meats.
Behavior Patterns
They congregate in large numbers where food sources are abundant; they can produce large 'walking dust' colonies and have a rapid life cycle in humid conditions.
Risks & Benefits
Non-biting and generally harmless to structure, but can cause mild skin irritation (dermatitis) or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; they indicate a moisture/mold problem that needs addressing.
Identified on: 1/12/2026