[3] A lineage of Tyrophagus, comprising T. formicetorum and related species, only occurs in ant nests.

[4] A number of Histiogaster species live beneath bark (subcortical) and feed on fungi.

[6] Most Tyrophagus species do not form deutonymphs (except for the T. formicetorum lineage), instead dispersing as feeding life stages.

These infest stored organic materials such as grains, flour, dried fruit, milk products, hams, cheeses, straw, animal hides, invertebrate culture media, vertebrate bedding materials and animal feed.

Acaridae can cause dermatitis via piercing human skin (in attempts to feed) or via contact allergens.