What are bed mites called? - briefly
The microscopic arachnids that inhabit bedding are commonly referred to as dust mites, belonging to the genus Dermatophagoides within the family Dermanyssidae.
What are bed mites called? - in detail
Bed mites are commonly referred to as dust mites. In scientific classification they belong to the subclass Acari, order Astigmata, and family Pyroglyphidae. The two species most frequently encountered in mattresses and bedding are Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (European house dust mite) and Dermatophagoides farinae (American house dust mite). Both species are microscopic (0.2–0.3 mm), lack eyes, and feed on shed human skin cells, thriving in environments with relative humidity above 50 % and temperatures between 20–25 °C.
Key characteristics:
- Morphology: Oval body, soft cuticle, four pairs of legs in the nymphal stage, eight legs in adults. No visible segmentation.
- Life cycle: Egg → larva (six-legged) → protonymph → deutonymph → adult; completes in 2–4 weeks under optimal conditions.
- Habitat: Mattress seams, pillowcases, blankets, upholstered furniture, carpet fibers.
- Health relevance: Allergens are proteins found in mite feces and body fragments; they can trigger allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis in sensitized individuals.
Control measures focus on reducing humidity, washing bedding at ≥60 °C, using allergen-impermeable covers, and applying acaricides approved for indoor use. Regular vacuuming with HEPA filtration further lowers mite populations.