Latin: Reduvius personatus
The dust mite, which is also called Reduvius personatus, is a species within the tick family that lives primarily in attics and stables. It is a predatory tick, sucking blood from other insects, but it does not suck blood from humans. It is therefore harmless to humans.
Appearance
The dust mite got its name because it secretes an oily substance from its body in the nymph stage, which allows dust and other particles to stick to the body. Then it looks like a little lump of dust wandering around. Which is also a way of knowing that there are dust mites in the house. The oiled substance and the attraction of dust particles only occur in the nymph stage of the dust mite, and it does not attract dust when it is fully grown.
When the dust mite is no longer in the nymph stage, it is about 1.5 centimeters long with a shiny, brownish surface.
At this stage it has developed wings and can fly. The adult female dust mite can lay about 200 eggs, which are relatively large, and can be recognized by their brown color. When a dust mite hatches, it takes up to a year before they are fully grown and can begin to lay eggs. This development should preferably take place at room temperature, and therefore the dust mite is also primarily indoors.
Biology and behavior
As mentioned, dust mites are found indoor, but not near people. They cannot survive outside and resides in attics, conservatories, stables, and places where they can be indoors without close contact with people. The reason why they are found in these places is that there are also a lot of other insects from whom they can suck blood. But also, because those places often are dark, which the dust mite prefers. The dust mite can live without food for a long time – up to several months.
If you find a dust mite in your bedroom or other rooms, it is often because it has moved away from its usual route and movement. You can however find dust mites in the bedroom if there are already bed bugs, as the dust mites can feed on them, but that is very unusually.
The dust mite is found all over the world. In warmer parts of the world, it can live outdoors, but due to the colder temperatures in Denmark, it mainly lives indoors because of the room temperature. If you spot a dust mite outdoors, it is often because it is in the process of finding the next house. It therefore moves from house to house, without spending too much time outside.
Damage
The dust mite does not stay near people, as it is often found in attics and conservatories. In rare cases the dust mite have bitten people, but it is in self-defense and not deliberately to suck blood. As the dust mite only sucks blood from other insects. It is therefore not like other insects that stings or bite humans, and you will not find it in food stuff or be a nuisance in other ways. The dust mite does not appear in large numbers either. Most likely you will not even notice it. Therefore, there is no reason to fight it in any way.
Prevention and pest control
Dust mite are not dangerous or in any way harmful to your health. There are several ways to prevent dust mites from entering your home. Just make sure that your home is not damp, wet, or cold. It is cold and moisture that attracts the dust mite and creates the best atmosphere for them. Therefore, make sure to ventilate and possibly have ventilation to run in the rooms where the dust mites are a problem. They can be difficult to get rid of completely, as they will often return if the conditions are right. If the reason for their appearance is molded walls, it is essential to remove moisture and mold completely. However, mold-killing agents are typically not enough – at least not in the long run.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)