Any of several mites of the genera Dermatophagoides and Euroglyphus (family Pyroglyphidae), which are common in household dust and bedding and whose excreta and body remains can cause asthma and other allergic reactions; also called bed mite.
Origin
1960s.
Definition of house-dust mite in US English:
house-dust mite
noun
Any of several mites of the genera Dermatophagoides and Euroglyphus (family Pyroglyphidae), which are common in household dust and bedding and whose excreta and body remains can cause asthma and other allergic reactions; also called bed mite.