Mold mites

Mold Mites: Everything You Always Wanted to Know

Introduction

Mold mites are tiny insects that thrive in damp, dark environments that feed on mold. While they are not harmful to humans, they can be a nuisance.

They can cause serious health problems in people with allergies or asthma, and can also contaminate food.

If you have a mold mite problem in your home, you may notice them crawling on your walls or floors. They can also be found in your furniture, bedding, and clothing.

This article will answer thirteen common questions about mold mites–what they are, the causes, how to detect them, health risks and how best to get rid of mold mites.

Disclosure

Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.

What are mold mites?

Mold mites are tiny creatures that are often found in damp, dark places. They are closely related to spiders and ticks; like their relatives, they have eight legs.

Mold mites are very small and almost clear in appearance, making them difficult to see with the naked eye. Mold mites are usually less than one millimeter in length, and their bodies are covered in fuzzy hair.

These mites are drawn to mold and mildew, and often infest homes with high humidity levels or water damage. 

What causes mold mites?

Mold. Mold mites feed on mold and mildew.

How to detect a mold mite problem in your home

Mold mites are so small that they can only be seen with a magnifying glass or microscope, but there are some tell-tale signs of their presence. One way to identify mold mites is by the presence of “mite dust”—a brown mold growth discoloration on surfaces like shelving or countertops. Look for small, brown or black specks in areas that are frequently damp, such as the kitchen or bathroom. This may be a mold patch.

Another method is to shine an LED light on a moldy surface; the tiny creatures will show up as white or tan dots.

Finally, you could use close-up photography equipment and zoom in on a suspected infected area. You may be able to see the mold mites.

How fast do mold mites reproduce?

Molds reproduce by making spores, which can survive in even dry conditions. A mold mite reproduces quickly; each mite has a lifespan of 9-30 days. During this time, a female mite can lay 500-800 eggs. If conditions are ideal (68°F and above 65% relative humidity), the eggs can hatch into adults in as little as 1-3 weeks. Under these conditions, a population of mold mites can double in 2-4 days. 

How do mold mites affect people?

While they are not harmful to humans, mold mites can cause problems for people with allergies or asthma. The mites themselves are not allergenic, but they release spores that can trigger an allergic reaction.

Are mold mites dangerous?

 While they are not dangerous to humans, they can cause skin irritation due to their tiny hairs. They cannot bite and they do not contribute to any structural damage to a home. Some people mistake patches of irritated skin or small raised bumps for mold mite bites, but these are usually allergic reactions caused by the mold itself or a reaction to the mold mites’ hairs. 

What are the health risks associated with mold mites?

The hair on their bodies, known as setae, can break off and cause allergies, such as itchy skin or raised bumps. The health problem is not with the mold mites, but with the mold.

In some cases, mold growth in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Whether or not you’re allergic to molds, mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs.

Can mold mites get in your hair?

There are no known signs or symptoms of mold mites in your hair. It is possible for them to get in your hair, but it is unlikely as they mostly cluster around food sources and patches of mold. They are not attracted to humans and do not live off dead skin cells or blood, so you won’t need to worry about them sticking around your scalp. 

Mold mites and dogs

Are mold mites harmful to dogs?

No, not directly. What is potentially harmful is the allergic reaction to the mold that the mold mites feed on. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to mold include:

  • Excessive itching and scratching
  • Hair loss
  • Shaking of the head and ears
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Chewing of the paws
  • Redness and scaliness of the skin
  • Thickened and odorous skin
  • Hot spots
  • Secondary skin infections

Are cheese mites the same as mold mites?

No. Cheese is a complex and diverse food with a long history. Cheese mites are one of the many factors that contribute to the taste and texture of cheese. 

These tiny creatures feed on the fungi that grow on cheese rinds, and over time they can burrow into the cheese itself. These mites are harmless and play an important role in the aging process of certain cheeses.

Mites can quickly spread and infest a cheese, whether it’s flavoring it or not. Mites can rapidly proliferate in the presence of mold spores. If there are too many mites, they dig excessively far into the cheese, transporting mold spores from the rind to the interior of the cheese, potentially compromising the entire product.

How to get rid of mold mites

There are a few things you can do to get rid of mold mites. The first step is to identify the source of the infestation. Mold mites thrive in damp, dark places, so check any areas that might fit this description.

Once you have found the source of the problem, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water. Also used to kill mold mites is a mild disinfectant.

Finally, take steps to eliminate mold mites infestations by keeping your home clean and dry. By taking these simple steps, you can kill mold mites for good.

Should you call a professional mold remediation company?

Depending on the extent and type of mold, it may make sense to pay for professional mold remediation instead of trying to fix the mold problem yourself. For example, you should not try to clean a patch of mold that’s larger than two and a half square feet, as you may cause mold spores to spread, negatively impacting air quality.

In addition, you should be on the lookout for more severe forms of mold, such as black mold.

Although some molds only affect sensitive individuals, others are toxic for everybody. An allergic reaction to mold may include coughing, sneezing, and skin irritation. Mold can also worsen asthma and chronic lung conditions.

If you or any other members of your household have allergies or respiratory issues, you may want to consider contacting the pros.

Finally, if you do tackle mold on your own, be sure to set up HEPA air purifiers in order to limit your exposure to mold spores.

What are the best ways to prevent mold mites?

The best way to keep mold mites away is to eliminate the mold that serves as their food source and take steps to prevent mold from growing in your home.

  1. Keep an eye out for leaky pipes and faucets.
  2. Clean up small mold patches right away.
  3. Open windows to fresh air on dry, cool days.
  4. Use a dehumidifier in the basement and laundry room.
  5. Have your home’s ductwork professionally cleaned.

By taking these steps, you can help mold mites from taking up residence in your home.

Mold and mildew can be a major problem if you’ve recently been affected by a flood. Mold may quickly spread throughout your home. Within 24 hours after a significant rain event, mold can begin to grow in your house, according to FEMA. If you’ve been unable to get back into your property following a flood, the damage might be substantial.

You’ll need to check your carpet, the carpet pad, upholstered furniture, drapes, wood and other porous objects that may be breeding grounds for mold and mold mites after your home has had time to dry out. Pay close attention to scents since mold produces an odor.

Summary

Mold mites often infest homes that have high humidity levels or water damage. They can cause a variety of health problems for people who are allergic to them. The best way to prevent mold mites is to eliminate the mold that serves as their food source and take steps to prevent mold from growing in your home. If you think you may have a serious mold mite infestation, contact a professional for help.

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