What Are Mold Mites? How to Identify & Get Rid of These Tiny Mold-Loving Pests in Chicagoland Homes

What Are Mold Mites?

Mold mites — also called fungus mites or mold bugs — are microscopic arthropods that feed exclusively on mold. Although harmless in terms of bites or property damage, they can exacerbate allergy symptoms and signal a more significant indoor air quality issue: hidden mold growth.

Part of the tyroglyphid mite family (which also includes grain mites and cheese mites), mold mites were first documented in 1781 in Austria. These tiny, soft-bodied pests have no wings and are nearly invisible to the naked eye, measuring less than 0.5 millimeters in length. While you won’t likely see a mold mite crawling on your wall, you might spot a fuzzy brownish residue — known as mite dust — in areas of high humidity, like around baseboards, bathroom ceilings, or under kitchen sinks.

Why Do Mold Mites Appear in Homes?

Mold mites don’t just show up out of nowhere — their presence means you likely have mold, and often in areas you can’t easily see.

Long-tail keyphrase targets:

• Mold mites on bathroom walls
• Mold mites from water-damaged drywall
• Mold mites in humid basements

Here’s why mold mites take up residence:

• Mold is their food source – without it, they die off
• Moisture and humidity — they thrive in damp indoor environments
• Poor ventilation - especially in places like crawlspaces and closets
• Unresolved water damage – leaks from pipes, appliances, or foundation seepage

Where there’s mold, there are almost always mold mites.

Are Mold Mites Dangerous?

Mold mites don’t bite humans or pets, nor do they destroy wood or drywall. But they can trigger allergic reactions. As these pests reproduce and move, their tiny body hairs break off and float in the air, and along with their droppings, they may cause:

• Sneezing or coughing
• Skin irritation
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Asthma-like symptoms

Many people misinterpret these reactions as “mold mite bites,” but what they’re really experiencing is allergic irritation from airborne particles. These symptoms can overlap with dust mite allergies, but unlike dust mites, mold mites are a clear sign of hidden or active mold growth that needs to be addressed.

How to Tell If You Have Mold Mites

Long-tail keyphrases:

• How to spot mold mites in your home
• Signs of mold mites vs dust mites
• Mold mite symptoms in Chicago homes

Look for these signs:

• Brownish “mite dust” on window sills, baseboards, or kitchen shelves
• Musty smell, especially in closets, basements, or attics
• Visible mold growth, especially in bathrooms, under sinks, or near leaky windows
• Feeling better when away from home, especially if symptoms ease outdoors or at work

Mold mites are almost always a secondary infestation, meaning the real problem is unchecked mold growth, often due to past or ongoing water damage.

How to Get Rid of Mold Mites

Mold mites can’t survive without mold. The key to eliminating them is to remove their food source. Here’s how to start:

✅ DIY Steps to Reduce Mold Mites:

• Use dehumidifiers to reduce indoor humidity to below 50%
• Fix any leaks under sinks, around windows, or in basements
• Improve ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens
• Thoroughly clean tile grout, drywall, and baseboards
• Use HEPA vacuums and air purifiers to remove airborne particles

But if you see recurring mold or worsening symptoms — or if you suspect mold behind walls — it’s time to call in a certified mold remediation expert.

Professional Mold Remediation in Chicago & the North Shore

At ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons, we offer comprehensive mold remediation services for homes and businesses in the Chicago area. If you’re dealing with mold mites, here’s how we help:

1. Third-party mold testing by an environmental hygienist (required before remediation)
2. Containment of contaminated areas using plastic sheeting and negative air pressure
3. Air scrubbers to remove airborne mold spores
4. HEPA vacuuming and cleaning of all surfaces
5. Antimicrobial application to prevent regrowth
6. Final clearance testing (optional but recommended)

We don’t just treat mold — we educate homeowners and help you keep your environment dry, healthy, and mold-free.

FAQs About Mold Mites

Do mold mites bite?
No. They’re non-biting and non-stinging, but their hairs and droppings can trigger allergies.

What do mold mites look like?
They’re barely visible, but under magnification, they appear pale white or tan and resemble tiny dust specks.

Can you vacuum mold mites?
Yes — with a HEPA vacuum. But unless you remove the mold, the mites will return.

Can mold mites live in furniture?
Only if the furniture is damp and moldy. Wood and upholstery can host mold and mites if not dried properly after water damage.

Are mold mites common in Chicago homes?
Yes — especially in areas with humidity issues, basement seepage, or past flooding.

Final Thoughts

Mold mites are nature’s way of telling you that hidden mold may be thriving in your home. While these pests don’t cause damage themselves, their presence is a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.

Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons for professional mold remediation trusted by homeowners across Chicagoland.

Our Services

We proudly serve homeowners, renters, and businesses throughout Chicago, the North Shore, and surrounding suburbs with expert restoration and cleaning services:

Residential Services

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning Services

Commercial Services

• Commercial Water Damage
• Commercial Fire Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Reconstruction & Build-Back

We proudly serve:
Chicago (Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, Gold Coast),
North Shore (Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest),
Suburbs (Oak Park, River Forest, Skokie, Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Lake Bluff, and beyond)

Featured Resource

RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset
Written by Sam Simon, this practical guide helps homeowners prevent and respond to water, fire, and mold disasters. A must-read for every Chicagoland homeowner concerned with protecting their investment.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

Founded in Chicago and backed by over 40 years of local experience, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is the North Shore and Chicagoland’s most trusted disaster restoration company. We’re an IICRC-Certified Firm and a proud member of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). Sam Simon, an IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer and co-author of RESTORE, leads our team. Under his leadership, our franchise has earned national awards for service excellence, ethics, and community impact.

Let us restore your peace of mind.™

Call us at 773-376-1110 or Contact Us Online