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. Some of these mites can cause allergic reactions in humans. Other mites that can be troublesome to humans in Ohio are follicle mites, scabies mites, and grain and mold mites. Fact Sheet 2101 discusses controls.