Dust Mite
Scientific Name: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (European dust mite) or Dermatophagoides farinae (American dust mite)
Order & Family: Order: Sarcoptiformes; Family: Pyroglyphidae
Size: 0.2–0.3 mm (0.008–0.012 inches) in length, making them nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Natural Habitat
Indoor environments, specifically in textiles such as carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, and bedding.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on organic detritus, primarily dander (dead skin scales) shed from humans and pets.
Behavior Patterns
They thrive in humid conditions (above 50% relative humidity) and dark areas. They do not bite but rely on moisture from the air to survive. Their life cycle involves an egg stage, larval stage, two nymphal stages, and adulthood.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: They are a major source of indoor allergens; their waste products and decaying body parts can trigger asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis in sensitive individuals. Benefits: None to humans; they ecologically function as scavengers of organic debris.
Identified on: 12/27/2025