Dust mites are more common than you know. These microscopic creatures are really difficult to pin point, but if they live with you in your home, chances are they have been there for a while. Dust mites are small are not insects – instead they are more related to spiders of the arachnid subclass.
House dust mites are not parasitic, so they don’t feed on you by biting or stinging you. Instead they feed on any dander that humans leave behind among other things. House mites don’t pose too much danger in that they don’t spread disease, but they are a health hazard for those who suffer from allergies.
Dust mites thrive in homes with moderate to high humidity and in temperatures over 26 degrees Celsius. They also dehydrate quite easily, so climates and homes that are a lot dryer, give them a lot more of a difficult time surviving in northern hemispheres. That said, many North American homes have more than optimal conditions for them to survive and thrive throughout the year.