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The head of a pin is about 2mm in diameter. Use this to compare the relative sizes of cells and organisms sitting on a pinhead. Nearly invisible without magnification, dust mites dwarf pollen grains and human cells. In turn, bacteria and viruses are even smaller.

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How does the blood cell size compare to dust mites size?

Blood cells are much smaller than dust mites. A typical blood cell has a diameter of about 6-8 micrometers, while a dust mite can range in size from about 100 to 300 micrometers. Dust mites are visible to the naked eye, whereas blood cells can only be seen under a microscope.


What kind of microscope is used to see dust mites?

One that has a magnification range of 20x-100x.


How big is a dust mite?

About 100 micron or so, a tenth of a millimetre. Sometime a little larger (especially females) perhaps up to 300 microns. They are just about visible to the naked eye, but it depends on the background. You'll almost never see one on a bed for example, but I have seen them (1000s) crawl across the bench in the lab, when they escaped from breeding jars...


Is a dust mite a parasite?

No, they are opportunistic feeders taking advantage of the dead skin cells we and our pets shed daily that accumulates in household dust. In effect they are actually helping to cleanup after us.


Why do dust mites come?

House Dust Mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinusand D. farinae are the most common species of house dust mites in North Carolina . These tiny mites are most abundant in warm, humid areas. Contrary to popular belief, house dust mites do not bite or sting. They feed on shed human skin scales that collect in the dust on furniture, particularly mattresses, and on carpeting below beds. House dust mites are important medically because they produce allergens in their secretions and excrement. Inhaling airborne house dust containing mite feces and cast skins is a common cause of asthma in young children. Products containing benzoyl benzoate and other ingredients are often used for severe infestations of house dust mites. However, the long-term solution to reducing a house dust mite problem is sanitation and environmental modifications: * Vacuum (possibly with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner) frequently and thoroughly to remove mites and the organic debris on which they feed. Target critical areas, such as: * ** mattresses and bed frames ** rugs and carpets (especially under beds) ** overstuffed furniture (and the area underneath) * Change air conditioner filters frequently and maintain low (less than 50%) humidity indoors to reduce conditions favorable to dust mites. * Encase mattresses and pillows in plastic covers and change bed linen frequently to help prevent mite populations from building up