Mold Mites Could Be Lurking In Your Home—Here's How To Get Rid of Them

Do you have a sneaking suspicion there might be mold mites in your home? Maybe you’ve had a leak recently or your house is just extra humid. Or you left some food on the counter and things just feel a little... grubby? It’s hard to know if these practically invisible creatures have started feasting in your home, so we asked experts to get the low-down on what they are, how to know when you have them, and what to do next. 

What Are Mold Mites? 

“Mold mites are a large group of similar species of mites that feed on fungi and mold,” says Schumm. These arthropods are tiny at about .3 mm long. They’re usually white or almost clear in color,” McQuade says, making them appear similar to dust mites, but they have slightly different morphology including tan or brown coloration in the areas of their legs and/or mouth. They also have more "hair" on their bodies than dust mites.

While dust mites feed on dead skin cells, according to our experts, and are most often found on organic material like bedding, mold mites feed on mold and the same types of decaying materials that mold finds favorable. according to McQuade.

Are There Safety Concerns With Mold Mites?

Although the thought may be enough to give us the heebie-jeebies, the mites themselves “pose no threat to humans, pets, or homes,” says Schumm.  

"However, they may be cluing you in to the much larger concern of the presence of mold in your home, workplace or commercial environment,” McQuade says. “Mold growth (active or dormant) can be a significant trigger of health problems and is rapidly making its way onto the radar as a source of otherwise puzzling health conditions.”

Besides serving as a warning signal, mold mites may also embed themselves in the food source in addition to being found on the surface, so it's important to discard any affected foods, including pet food.

What Are the Signs You Have Mold Mites?

According to Schumm, it can be tough to know when you have mold mites, because most of the time they go unnoticed. "But any known moisture issues or excessive humidity in a structure creates a recipe for mold mites to find their happy place," he says. "They feed on the mold and fungi that can develop in these conditions.”

Be on the lookout for gray or brown dust on or near a food product, particularly food that is either close to or at the point of spoiling, or foods that are high in fat or protein and stored in a way that is favorable for intrusion by these very tiny mites, McQuade says. And brace yourself: “Seeing small white or opaque specks (that upon closer examination you may realize are moving) in a food storage area or in the vicinity of water-damaged materials is a sure sign," he adds.

How Do You Get Rid of Mold Mites?

“It can be challenging to rid your home of the creatures," Schumm says. “Primarily, you must eliminate molds, humidity, and moisture that are providing resources and creating favorable living conditions for the mites.”

While some insecticide treatments may be effective in the short-term, if the living conditions for the mites remain, the mites are likely to return. So finding and eliminating the source and the affected materials, like food and mold growth, is key to getting rid of them. Then? Clean!

“Cleaning the affected and surrounding area (including nooks and crannies) is critical to fully ridding the space of mold mites,” says McQuade.  

She adds a caution: If mold is found on something other than food you’re throwing away, it’s important to contact a qualified mold inspector or mold remediator to evaluate the situation and develop a plan for proper remediation.

How To Prevent Mold Mites

The best way to prevent mold mites is to prevent those favorable conditions we've mentioned. Keep a close eye on fresh foods, and eat or discard them before they can spoil. Long-term storage items, including pet food should be kept in well-sealed, airtight bins or jars.

"And take water damage seriously!” says McQuade. “Something as simple as a leaky sink pipe or toilet can lead to significant water damage and mold growth. Toxic molds can grow within a matter of days." Her advice? Engage a water damage restoration professional immediately when a water event occurs, and contact a mold remediation professional upon discovery of visible or suspect mold.