Dust Mites Say: dust mytz Dust mites are teeny, tiny bugs that live in household dust. You have to be pretty small to live in dust — and they are. You actually need a microscope to see them! So if you can't even see them, what's the problem? Well, people can be allergic to dust mites and their droppings. This stuff gets into the air, and without the person knowing it, the dust mites can get into someone's lungs. Dust mites don't bother most people, but if the person has asthma, they can worsen breathing problems. It's also tough to get rid of dust mites because they work themselves into soft places like pillows, blankets, mattresses, and stuffed animals. Back to Articles Related Articles Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.