Ear mites primarily live in the ear canal, where they feed on skin debris. (thesprucepets.com)
Sometimes if needed, microscopic examination of skin debris can allow visualization of the mites. (cathealth.com)
The larval stage can last from 5 - 14 days and during this time the larvae feed on organic material such as skin debris and, importantly, adult flea faecal material which consists of dried but undigested blood from the dog. (thebedlingtonterrierhealthgroup.webplus.net)