The above pictures are carpet mites. Carpet mites (normally microscopic) can vary in size, and are the leading cause of allergy and asthma attacks in the home. They thrive on carpet fibers, dust particles, and skin particles. Human adults spend a minimum of 2,190 hours in bed each year, and a minimum of 5,100 hours in the home itself. Keep in mind that is not including children, or animals. All that time in the home accumulates skin build-ups all over the home, creating a feeding frenzy for these creatures.