Dust Mites

Dust Mites

Dust Mite

The dust mite is not a direct human parasite instead it feeds mainly on organic waste like flakes of dead human skin or of other animals. It’s their faeces and exoskeleton exfoliations that are responsible for triggering allergic reactions.

The dust mites are found all over the world and prefer to live in warm and stable environment of the home.

It is very tiny, 0.4 mm, and is therefore not easy to notice with naked eyes. They come in varied forms with some appearing in greyish brown color while others in creamy blue.

Size : 1/75 inches

Shape : Flat, broad, oval

Color : Off white to tan

Legs : 8

Wings : No

Antenna : No

Common Name : Dust Mite

Kingdom : Animalia

Phylum : Arthropoda

Class : Arachnida

Order : Acariformes

Family : Pyroglyphidae

Species : Dermatophagoides farinae

Diet : Dust mites feed on organic waste that mainly falls from human skin.

Dust mites live inside houses where it is warm and comfortable. They are found on carpets, couches, beds, curtain and rugs.

Use antihistamine drugs in case you get allergy from these mites.

Use mite resistant mattresses.

Regularly clean and wash places that are mite infested.

Clean affected bedding and any other dust mite infested item using hot water above 60 0C.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter that ensures they do not spread back into the air.

Dust mites do not bite or feed parasitically on people. Instead their faeces and exoskeleton are allergens that cause serious allergic reactions.