Dust Mite
Characteristics
- Extremely small mites with bodies are 0.25 millimeters long
- Dust mites are a common source of allergies and can trigger asthma
- These mites reproduce rapidly and can quickly become a significant infestation
Dust mites are small, simple mites that feed on tiny organic matter that commonly makes up household dust. They flourish on foods such as human skin flakes and commonly thrive in areas with humans. They are extremely small and are just barely visible if the viewer is looking hard enough and the mite is on a dark background.
Allergies & Asthma
While dust mites perform a benificial role in breaking down small bits of organic matter they quickly become a problem in their own right. Dust mites produce huge numbers of fecal particles that can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in man individuals. They commonly live in furniture and bedding and as many as 500 of them can be found a single gram of dust. Symptoms of dust mite allergies include sneezing, itchiness, and reddened skin and eyes.
Eradication
Dust mites depend on moisture to survive. Maintaining a low humidity can help limit their growth and a clean environment will eliminate their food sources. Infested items such as clothing and bedding can be exposed to high temperatures such as a clothes dryer to remove lingering pests.