HEPA filters with AI
Introduction
Dust mites measure between 0.2 and 0.5 mm and belong to the subclass of mites (within the class "Class (biology)" of arachnids), which live in almost all places in the world, preferring areas with a temperate climate and high relative humidity. The most common species are Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Euroglyphus maynei.[1].
One of its habitats is the dust inside houses.
Characteristics
Dust mites or house mites are components of the Pyroglyphidae family of the arachnid class (Arachnida) and direct relatives of spiders and ticks. They are so small that they are only visible with a microscope. They develop easily in moist and warm places.
They are very persistent and multiply best when there is a relative air humidity of more or less 75 - 80% and a temperature of at least 21 °C.
They are rare in dry places located at high altitudes and die when the air humidity drops below 40-50%.
They feed on skin scales and proliferate in textile fibers, especially natural ones: beds, carpets, down duvets, blankets, wool mattresses, clothing, curtains, pillows and cushions, wardrobes, furniture, and car seats. They survive the vacuum cleaner, since they have hook-like nails on their legs, with which they "grab" or hold onto the corresponding material.
Dust mites do not bite or spread diseases; they would be classified as harmless if they did not cause severe symptoms in allergic people.[2].
Its size ranges from 0.28 mm in length (Euroglyphus maynei) to 0.40 mm (Dermatophagoides farinae).
For exact identification, at least 10x magnification is needed. Through a microscope, many oval-shaped mites are seen running around and on top of each other. They have eight hairy legs, no eyes or antennae, a group of mouthparts on the front of the body (resembling a head), and a hard, translucent shell.
Habitat and food
Dermatophagoides farinae is very common and abundant inside homes (carpets, mattresses, etc.).
It is the second most abundant species globally, although it is more abundant and frequent in North America than in Europe. It seems to prefer more continental and arid climates than . In Spain it is very abundant in the Mediterranean provinces.[3].