Brown recluse bites are reported when people put on clothes that have been undisturbed for a long time. A spider may be hiding in the clothing and is squeezed against the person's body when the clothing is put on. There are more than 30,000 species of mites. Spider mites feed on plants. Carnivorous mites eat the flesh of other mites or insects.
Saprophytic mites live off dead material.
These mites function as decomposers, breaking down organic matter. Mites are easily overlooked because of their size. Some species even live on minute dust particles and debris in our homes. About 140 mite species have been identified on house dust. These mites enter our homes on pets, people, food and dust itself.