The Silent Invaders: Understanding and Tackling Mould Mites in Your Home

Discovering tiny white bugs lurking in your home can be unsettling. These pests don’t just appear out of nowhere. Mould mites, in fact, signal an underlying mould problem.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the pests, including how to get rid of mould mites effectively. But first…

What exactly are mould mites?

What do mould mites look like? Well, the Tyrophagus putrescentiae are typically translucent; however, they have light tan or brownish legs and mouthparts. The mould mite’s actual size is 1mm in length. You would hardly see them with the naked eye.

Their oval-shaped bodies are covered by fine hairs. This gives them a slightly fuzzy appearance. Their small size makes them easy to overlook, but their ability to reproduce rapidly can become a bigger problem.

Mould mites lay hundreds of eggs in humid, warm conditions with plenty of mould. After the eggs hatch, their larvae grow into adults in 10 to 14 days, depending on moisture and temperature.

It’s easy to confuse mould mites with dust mites. They often live in similar places— warm, humid rooms like bedrooms and living areas. But there’s a distinct difference. Dust mites feed primarily on dead skin cells and are more common in dry, warm environments.

In contrast, mould mites are more commonly found in areas with excess moisture and mould growth. They are highly attracted to decaying organic material, such as mould and fungi.

Should you worry about mould mites?

Can you live with mould mites? Yes, but it’s not recommended. Mould mites don’t bite or sting. Yet, the spores they carry can trigger allergies in some individuals. People who are sensitive to mould or dust might experience symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or skin rashes. For those with asthma, exposure to mould mites could lead to more severe respiratory issues.

Some of you might wonder, do mould mites crawl on humans? If you come into contact with an infested surface, they might temporarily get on your skin; however, they won’t stay. Unlike bed bugs, mould mites don’t need or want us as a food source.

What causes mould mites?

Mould mites are drawn to the same damp, warm, and poorly ventilated conditions that allow mould to grow. Those are leaky pipes, damp basements and poor ventilation. The mould spores on those surfaces become a food source for the microscopic pests.

Certain rooms are more susceptible to mould infestations and for good reason:

But mould mites can also settle into:

Noticing mould mites but no mould?

The truth is, mould mites don’t always require visible mould to thrive. High humidity and organic material, like dust or hidden fungi, are enough to support their reproduction. In that case are you curious about how fast mould mites spread? Well, even in the absence of visible mould, these pests can still multiply rapidly.

Common signs of mould mites infestation

If unsure, check for these signs:

1. White dust or webbing – You might notice fine white dust or web-like strands in damp areas;
2. Small dark specks – Look out for tiny dark dots on surfaces, particularly in areas prone to moisture or mould;
3. Tiny white dots – As mould mites move around, they leave behind little white trails that can seem to “crawl” across surfaces;
4. Frosty or stained surfaces – A powdery, frosty appearance or brown/grey stains may appear where mould mites have left their waste.

Effective methods to get rid of and keep mould mites away

With all said so far, it’s time to get down to the essential question. How to get rid of mould mites.
There are a few options.

Natural solutions

You already have most, if not all, of these at home.

Vinegar solution. Vinegar kills mould mites. It’s very simple to make your very own mould mites spray. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, spray on affected areas, and wait 15 minutes. Wipe down with a damp cloth.

Baking soda. Another natural remedy. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, upholstery, or other soft materials. Leave it for several hours. Afterwards, vacuum it up. This will help absorb excess moisture and eliminate any lingering mites.

Other natural remedies. Those include essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree oil. Both have anti-fungal and mite-repelling properties. Simply dilute the oil in water and spray on affected areas. The solution will kill the mites and discourage them from returning.

Chemical treatments

If natural solutions don’t do the trick, chemical treatments may be necessary. Look for sprays that contain permethrin or pyrethrin. These ingredients are commonly used to target mites. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and effective use.

Keep house humidity under control

When you control the humidity, you control the mites. Let’s elaborate on how to do that with a dehumidifier.

Using one in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements can help lower humidity. You might wonder “Will a dehumidifier kill mold mites?”. While it won’t kill mould mites directly, it creates an environment that’s far less inviting for them. Over time, their number will decrease greatly.

So, aim to keep the humidity in your home below 50%. The ideal humidity levels for different rooms are as follows:

As for drying wet clothes, do this. Either hang them outside to air out or use a dryer to ensure moisture is quickly removed. Never dry them inside.

Establish a cleaning routine

Focus on cleaning areas where mould mites are likely to appear,

Clean high-risk areas as well. Remove dust and moisture from behind furniture and appliances and wash fabrics regularly.

How long does it take to eliminate mould mites?

It depends on several factors. The severity of the infestation, the methods, and how consistent you are with your approach.

Mould mites usually decrease within a few days of treatment. It may take a week to a month to fully get rid of them. Combining natural remedies, chemical treatments, and clean habits helps. Regular cleaning and follow-ups are often needed to eliminate them completely.

Do mould mites go away on their own?

It’s highly unlikely that mould mites will simply disappear on their own without intervention. While they might eventually die off if their food sources are removed, this is not a reliable solution.

Even a small patch of mould can provide enough sustenance for them to continue. They are highly adaptable. If conditions like humidity remain high, they may persist or even spread further. To effectively get rid of mould mites, it’s best to take the proactive approach.