House-Dust Mite

Latin Name:

Glycphagus domesticus

Appearance:

Invisible to the human eye.

Habit:

Found in areas that are fairly damp and frequented by people and pets. Common in hospitals and lodging establishments. Live in: mattresses, pillows, rugs, wall cracks and overstuffed furniture.

Diet:

Omnivorous, but prefer flecks or scales of skin.

Reproduction:

Eggs are laid one at a time and take one or two weeks to hatch. Life cycle from egg to adult is completed within a month. Adult mites live one to three months.

Other:

Produce allergens and asthma-like symptoms in many people.