Domestic Acari of Colombia: Abundance of the European House Dust Mite, Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus (Acari: Pyroglyphidae), in Homes in BogotÁ1

In house dust samples from mattresses and floors of homes in Bogotá, Colombia, the pyroglyphid Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart) was the most common mite, constituting 90+% of all mites recovered. Another pyroglyphid, Euroglyphus maynei (Cooreman), occurred in very small numbers. The mean number of mites was higher in mattress dust than in floor dust. Homes of allergic persons supported higher populations of mites. Mite population densities were heavier on wooden than on carpeted floors, in older than in newer homes, and in homes with pets than in those without them.