While the house dust mite is not particularly parasitic, nor does it bite or burrow under the skin – unlike the scabies or skin follicle mites – dust mites still represent a serious problem. They are a common cause of allergic rhinitis and skin asthma the world over. 

Moreover, their guts contain potent digestive enzymes that are released through their fecal matter. When these are introduced to human skin, they can incite allergic reactions. What makes it worse is that there is no permanent cure to keep dust mites away. Their miniscule size and sheer number makes it impossible to keep track of them, let alone keep them out. There are a few dozen ways to get rid of them, but they’re all temporary solutions.

The house dust mite can survive in all climates and altitudes, which means they are a common pest problem in practically every part of the world. They favour the indoor environment of a warm home, specifically the bedroom and kitchen. Much like bed bugs, termites survive well in mattresses. They also take to carpets, curtains, and bedding. Studies provide a calculation of about 100-500 of them per gram of dust. Just like they can survive in any temperature and climate, they can also mate in any temperature or climate.

Aside from poisoning you, they can also cause severe allergies. Their saliva and body parts contain hundreds of allergens that result in sneezing, watery eyes, and skin rashes. The smaller ones can also invade body parts. There have been several recorded cases of cockroaches entering a person’s ear or nose while they were asleep.

Is it any wonder why these little brown monstrosities are the most hated pests ever?