Description:
Mites are tiny arthropods, related to ticks. Several types of mites can be found in homes and of these a few may bite humans. Most mites are harmless predators of insects, or feeders on decaying plant material. Others are merely nuisance pests, accidentally entering homes from their normal outdoor habitat. Only a few mite species are parasitic on birds or mammals, but these can occasionally become biting pests in homes. Identifying the type of mite and/or likely host is the first step in solving an indoor mite infestation.
Appearance:
Adult are 0.3–0.7mm hairy soft cream–white body with yellow/brown legs.
Lifecycle:
Egg to adult will grow in 22 days at room temperature. Adult lives for approximately 50 days.
Habits:
They are capable of tainting foods and causing gut irritation. Commonly feeds on fungi. Favors moist environmental conditions; common in damp poorly ventilated rooms