What do dust mites feed on? - briefly
Dust mites subsist primarily on microscopic flakes of human skin (dander) and the fungi and bacteria that colonize these particles. Their diet may also include tiny fragments of hair and fabric fibers.
What do dust mites feed on? - in detail
Dust mites survive on microscopic organic particles that accumulate in indoor environments. Their diet consists chiefly of:
- Desquamated human skin cells, which shed continuously and provide a rich source of protein and lipids.
- Fungal spores, especially from mold genera such as Cladosporium and Alternaria, supplying additional nutrients.
- Bacterial fragments and by‑products, contributing nitrogen and carbon sources.
- Small amounts of insect debris, hair, and feather fragments that may be present in bedding or upholstery.
The primary energy source is the keratin and fatty acids found in the shed epidermal material. When this substrate dries, mites ingest the associated moisture, allowing metabolic processes to continue. In humid conditions (relative humidity ≥ 70 %), the availability of free water enhances digestion and reproduction rates.
Enzymatic activity within the mite’s gut breaks down proteins into amino acids, while lipases hydrolyze fatty acids for energy. The digestion of fungal spores involves chitinases that degrade the chitinous cell walls, releasing sugars and nitrogenous compounds.
Overall, dust mites rely on a combination of human skin debris, fungal spores, and microbial residues, with humidity and temperature influencing the efficiency of nutrient extraction and population growth.