Question
QUESTION: Hi, we have some sort of pest that has invaded our home in Fl. for the last several months. It is very tiny and seems as though could be 2 stages. Mostly we have the smallest white spec that appears on everything. They seem like they could be a mold mite. But I'm wondering if these would enter into electronics like laptops, cell phones ect. They show up on the mirrors, paper, plastic, clothing, furniture ect. Also the other stage is a tiny reddish brown spec about the size of a period at the end of a sentence. They do seem to bite at times but it does not itch or leave marks. They jump and do not have wings. Can you tell me how to get rid of them in the electronics if it is a mold mite please. Thank for your help. Karen

ANSWER: Karen,

For some reason people often notice mold mites (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/mold_mites.html for a drawing and biology of these mites) around their electronics first. I don't know why this is but it could be the heat these device produce. Mold mites develop in damp areas where mold grows. The only way to effectively control mold mites is to dry the area out, then the mite will go away. Insecticides are not very effective. Mold mites are harmless but can contribute to indoor allergies.

The reddish-brown specks that jump could be springtails (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/springtails.html for close-up pictures). These are not related to mold mites but often enter homes when outside soils are saturated. They are harmless and do not bite. So both things are related to damp/excess water. Once the soils outside dry out the springtails will stop getting inside.

Jack DeAngelis



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply on my question. It would explain why we have them in our house since we had a water leak and mold issue. But they have followed me to my work where there isn't any mold or water leak. They are mostly just in the electronic printers. They jump out onto my face when ever I use them and my cell phone and laptop.  Thanks again.

Answer
Neither mold mites nor springtails do this. Is it possible that you are mistaking static electricity for the mites and springtails you found at home? Some people are also sensitive to the paper dust from printers. I think this is probably a case of mistaken identity. Sorry I can't be more specific.

Jack DeAngelis