 The house dust mite (sometimes referred to by allergists as HDM), is a household guest in human habitation. Dust mites feed on organic matterr such as flakes of shed human skin and flourish in the stable environment of dwellings. House dust mites are a common cause of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide. Some of the gut enzymes produced by the house mite persist in their fecal matter, and can be strongly allergenic. The body of a house dust mite is just visible against a dark background in normal light. A typical house dust mite measures 420 micrometers in length and 250 to 320 micrometers in width. Dust mites can be transported in dust bunnies or airborne by minor air currents generated from normal household activities.  The house dust mite survives in all climates, even at high altitude. A person sheds about 1.5 grams of skin cells and flakes every day (approximately 0.3–0.45 kg per year), which is enough to feed roughly a million house dust mites under ideal conditions. If trying to control house dust mites, humidity should be kept low. House dust mites thrive in the indoor environment provided by homes, specifically in bedrooms and kitchens. Dust mites survive well in mattresses, carpets, furniture and bedding, with figures around 188 animals/g dust.
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