Dust mites

This posting is for those whose interests are in the preservation of our natural environment. There are many species of fauna whose survival and continued existence is pretty much guaranteed.

One of these should be of particular concern to those of us who spend most of our time indoors. It cannot be seen with the naked eye, but it is there in abundance, and no amount of care and attention will ever get rid of it completely.

It is the dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae), a tiny parasite related to the spider family, each no bigger than the period at the end of this sentence. It feeds on dander, which is a fancy name for dust particles formed from the dead skin of humans and animals. Yuck!


Below is a magnified image of a dust mite. Click on the image to enlarge.