Name:Storage mites

 

Scientific name:Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Glycophagus domesticus, Thyrophagus putrescentiae 

Description:

Mites are distantly related to spiders. Storage mites are between 0.3 and 0.7 millimeters long and are just visible to the naked eye. They only live for about six weeks but, given propitious conditions (relative humidity of between 65 and 80%, and a temperature of between 20 and 30°C), they reproduce at a staggering rate with the females being able to lay an egg as often as every day.
They live on dead human and animal skin, and hair and nail debris; they can also eat certain moulds which are present in storage areas.

 

Where they are found:

They multiply in the dust in places like barns and warehouses used to store hay, straw, seeds and flour. In the urban environment, they can be found in the cages of small pets and house dust.

Period of exposure:

Year-round

Major allergens:

Proteins in their excrement.

Allergy:

Most mite-derived allergens are inhaled although digestive symptoms have been reported following the consumption of flour containing debris derived from this kind of mite.