What conditions seem to facilitate the proliferation of dust mites?

Dust mites thrive in environments that are warm and humid, making the use of humidifiers particularly conducive to their proliferation. Humidifiers increase the moisture level in the air, which creates an ideal environment for dust mites, as they require a relative humidity level of about 70-80% to thrive. In such conditions, dust mites can reproduce more rapidly, leading to higher populations.

In contrast, dry conditions inhibit their growth because low humidity levels can lead to dehydration and death in dust mites. While air conditioning can control indoor temperatures, it does not significantly raise humidity levels and can sometimes even lead to drier air depending on the system's operation. The presence of indoor animals can contribute to dust mite habitat by providing organic matter, such as skin flakes and dander, but it is the increase in humidity provided by humidifiers that directly facilitates their proliferation.