Scientific name: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus Family: Pyroglyphidae Order: Acari Risk level: High Category: Crawling pests
? What is a house dust mite
The house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) does not bite people directly, but is one of the leading causes of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis worldwide. It feeds on shed human skin flakes. It cannot be seen with the naked eye (0.2–0.3 mm) and breeds in bedding, pillows, carpets and upholstered furniture.
House dust mite life cycle
Its rapid life cycle progresses from egg to six-legged larva to nymph to adult and is completed in two weeks under ideal conditions.
Where house dust mites occur
They occur worldwide, with different species in different environments. They are common in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf and Egypt.
Damage and risks associated with house dust mites
They are a leading trigger of asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Experts estimate that dust mites cause 80% of allergic asthma cases in children. They do not directly cause disease but can severely reduce quality of life.
Signs of house dust mites
Clinical symptoms are the main evidence (itching, rash and reactions). The mite cannot be seen with the naked eye, so specialist diagnosis is required.
Where house dust mites are found
They are most concentrated in bedding, pillows and mattresses, where they feed at night on shed skin flakes. They are also found in carpets, upholstered furniture and cotton toys.
House dust mite control methods
Environmental control depends on the species: ventilation and humidity reduction for house dust mites, cleaning bird enclosures, and treating animals and their environment for mange.
House dust mite control products
Use specialized acaricides according to the species. Topical scabies treatments include permethrin. For poultry, fipronil and abamectin are listed.
Food-facility control requirements
FSSC/BRCGS: poultry mites pose a risk to farm workers and must be documented in the occupational risk assessment.
A fact about house dust mites
A house dust mite produces waste equivalent to 200 times its body weight over its short life. This microscopic waste, suspended in the air when bedding is moved, is the actual trigger of morning asthma attacks.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can house dust mites be seen with the naked eye?
A: Usually not. In most species, the mite is smaller than 0.5 mm. Diagnosis relies on signs and symptoms.
Q: What is the best treatment?
A: It depends on the species. Consult a doctor or specialist before any treatment
