Dust Mites

Size, Characteristics, and Habitat

Size

About 0.33 mm long

Characteristics

Off-white to cream in color. Dust mites have soft, oval, and flattened bodies, usually visible only under a microscope.

  • Legs: 8

  • Antennae: No

  • Wings: No

Dust-Mites
Habitat

Dust mites feed primarily on shed human skin, commonly found in areas where people spend long periods sitting or lying, such as beds, sofas, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Their excrement can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals. They may also feed on spilled food and fungi.

 

Dust mites prefer areas with high moisture and humidity, and cannot thrive if the relative humidity is below 60%. Young dust mites can resist drying out for a short period, allowing populations to persist in suitable indoor environments.