Dust Mite

Natural Habitat

Indoor environments, especially beds, carpets, upholstered furniture, and clothing, thriving in warm, humid conditions.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly feed on shed human and animal skin flakes (dander), as well as some fungi.

Behavior Patterns

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on organic detritus. They do not bite or sting but their fecal pellets and body fragments are major triggers for allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals. They reproduce rapidly in favorable conditions.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include triggering allergies, asthma, and eczema in susceptible individuals due to inhaling their waste products and body fragments. There are no known direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem, though they play a role in decomposition of organic matter in indoor environments.

Identified on: 9/22/2025