Mold Mite (or possibly Dust Mite / Grain Mite)
Scientific Name: Tyrophagus putrescentiae (common species, though identification is tentative due to image quality)
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes, Family: Acaridae
Size: Extremely small, typically 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm (often barely visible to the naked eye as moving white dust).
Natural Habitat
High humidity environments, stored foods (grains, flour, cheese), and areas with fungal growth like damp fabrics or walls.
Diet & Feeding
They primarily feed on mold spores (fungi) and foods rich in protein and fat, such as cheese, grain, flour, and pet food.
Behavior Patterns
They do not bite but multiply rapidly in warm, humid conditions. You may notice them as a 'dust' that seems to be moving. They are photophobic and seek dark, humid crevices.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can contaminate stored food products, rendering them inedible. They are a common allergen for humans and pets, causing dermatitis or respiratory issues (Kwon's asthma). They are generally not parasitic but are nuisance pests indicating a moisture problem.
Identified on: 2/19/2026