(Dermatophagoides sp., Fam. Pyroglyphidae)
Biology:
House dust mites are very small animals, usually less than 0.5 mm long, which have 6 legs as larvae and 8 legs in the adult stage. They belong to the arachnid family.
The development of the house dust mite normally proceeds via egg, larva and various nymph stages to the adult animal. However, permanent forms can also be formed that survive unfavorable living conditions for a very long time. However, if the living conditions are favorable, mass reproduction usually occurs.
Damage:
House dust mites are mainly found in rooms with high humidity. Their scientific generic name “Dermatophagoides” means “skin-eater” and refers to their diet. They feed on fallen skin flakes, of which humans lose around 0.5 to 1 gram per day. These cannot be digested directly by the mites; they are dependent on microorganisms that pre-digest them. The mites therefore always occur together with these microorganisms, e.g. various types of mold.
They lead to asthma and skin diseases in sensitive people and are the cause of house dust mite allergies, whereby the allergens presumably come from the mold fungi that are absorbed by the mites and excreted again with the excrement.
