Storage mites

To the subclass Acari (mite) belonging superfamily of the Tyroglyphoidea (storage mites), which feed on moulds.

To this belong:

• Flour mite (Acarus siro L.)
• House mite (Glycyphagus domesticus)
• Plum mite (Glycyphagus cadaverum)
• Fig mite
• Cheese mite (Tyroglyphus casei L.) and others

About 150 species of mites are known worldwide.

Size: 300-700 μm, grey-white colouring, almost transparent. Storage mites have cutting and chewing mouth parts and are found on and in various, mainly vegetable materials.

Many species of the Tyroglyphoidea are represented in all parts of the world. Occurs mainly on flour and dairy products, dried fruits, flower bulbs, hay, straw.

Remember! Minor medical importance!

Triggering of allergic reactions of the immediate type such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis (see allergy). Triggering of contact eczema and acrodermatitis (Castellani described acarodermatitis with "copra eczema" as early as 1912). Among the most studied and respiratory allergenic species are Blomia tropicalis (tropical and subtropical countries) and Lepidoglyphus destructor, which is important in agriculture.

Other historical names: cheese dermatitis, dried fruit dermatitis.

Prick test and intradermal, RAST, atopy patch test.

Apartment renovation, see below dust mite allergy.

1. Klimek L (2018) Skin dust and storage mites. Skin 01: 11-14
2. Lustgraaf B, Rijckaert van de G, Linsekens HF (1978) Ecology of house dust allergens. Allergology 1: 64-73