Student research notes The biology of the house dust mite  The mite is tiny nest dwelling scavenger living on discarded skin scales in damp dark environments. It is a potent and major cause of human allergy and allergic disease worldwide.     How to manipulate the indoor environment to discourage mite infestation. Mites are most active and breed successfully at a temperature of 72° F or 20° C.  In this warm indoor environment, an active breeding mite should maintain its water weight at 75% in order to function. Cross-reactive allergens found in mite droppings are a major problem in allergy. Cross-reactivity occurs when the body recognizes different allergens as a single unwanted protein. This fact should be considered in seeking solutions to mite allergies because the allergens of storage mites are known to cross-react with dust mites. Recommended reading for students or for teachers developing school projects In order to study the impact that house dust mites have on heath it is essential to understand the biology, history and ecology of domestic mites.  Medical and scientific quotes for students investigating mites. This section contains selected published quotes that may be helpful in school or university projects. Pollens, mite allergy and eye disease - A triangle of concern The risk of developing serious eye disease during the pollen season is increased by continuous exposure to year-round allergens that cause asthma, chronic hay fever, eczema and conjunctivitis.  Allergen avoidance is strongly recommended to reduce the risk. Avoidance of aggressive allergens, such as from mite enzymes, is noted in this excellent paper. ‘Parasites and Allergy’ A detailed scientific description of the pathway from mite exposure to allergy IgG4 responses to mite allergens and bacteria An invasive bacterial protein in lungs can work alongside mite allergens to increase inflammatory signals not commonly associated with allergy. How micro-bacteria can access and proliferate in the gut of the mite How mites become infected with micro-bacteria may have been described by a Cambridge entomologist