What Are Bird Mites?
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Bird mites are tiny parasites that feed on domestic and wild birds, including pigeons, chickens, sparrows, and robins. Though they're only 1/32 inch long, they are visible to the naked eye.
Bird mites typically complete their life cycle on birds or in their nests. However, they sometimes also come into human contact through pet birds. Though they may bite humans, they can not reproduce or survive on human blood alone. Bird mites require a bird blood meal. Without it, they will die within a couple of weeks.
This article explains what causes bird mites, how to identify them, and ways to get rid of them.
Frank Rothe / Getty Images
How to Identify Bird Mites
Bird mites have two main body parts and eight legs. These mites are in the arachnid family, along with ticks and spiders. They are typically brown or gray and may appear darker after a meal. Because they are so tiny, they may appear as walking pepper flakes.
These parasites lay eggs in nests or directly on birds in their feathers. There are many types of bird mites, but the most common are northern fowl mites, chicken mites, and American bird mites.
All types of bird mites are ectoparasites. This means they feed on the skin's surface and do not burrow into it to feed. Mites do not fly and only move by crawling. Bird mites live wherever they can access birds, but they are more prolific in warmer climates and during warmer months.
Related: What Are Pathogens?
Causes of Bird Mites
Bird mites most commonly stick to birds and their nests because they require a bird blood meal for survival. However, in some instances, bird mites may come into homes and bite humans, for example:
Through pet birds
When a bird's nest is abandoned, and they seek new hosts
When nests are in or on buildings or homes
Bird mite populations may grow when birds congregate together for long periods, like when they nest. Bird mites can bite humans but cannot live on human skin. Though a nuisance, they do not pose a health hazard.
Related: What Is Bird Flu?
Symptoms of Bird Mites
Late spring and early summer are the peak times when bird mites tend to enter human homes. But they can come into contact with humans at any time.
Symptoms of bird mites include:
Feeling a slight prick when a bite occurs
Small bumps on the skin
Rash
Some people may not react at all to bird mite bites. Unfortunately, not much distinguishes these bites from other insect bites or skin rashes. The only sure way to know if you have bird mites is to correctly identify the mite, usually by collecting it with adhesive tape and sending it to a university extension program.
Other conditions to consider include:
Pediculosis (lice infection)
Urticaria (hives caused by allergies or another source)
Related: Pet Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More
Treating Bird Mite Bites
Treatment for bird mite bites typically relies on self-care, though you may need to see a healthcare provider for a prescription. In some cases, treatment has required antihistamines for itching or even the use of corticosteroids.
At home, you can try skin care that includes using a loofah and lotion, or a shampoo product that contains permethrin to kill insects.
Preventing Bird Mites
Steps to prevent bird mites are focused on limiting contact with humans through pets and bird nests close to the home. A pet bird may need veterinary care in order to treat a bird mite infection.
At home, you can:
Keep pigeons and other wild birds from building nests on your home by blocking entrances to cavities along your roofline or porch.
Ensure that backyard chicken coops are kept clean and free of avian mites. Some exposures have been traced to contact with chickens.
Keep mites from entering your home by caulking cracks and crevices along window sills and near areas where birds have active nests. This can happen at offices and public places, too.
Vacuum carpets and hard floors, using attachments to get along baseboards, windowsills, beds, and corners.
Pest control products may be needed to stop or prevent bird mite infestation. They include:
Diatomaceous earth (DE), a powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms (a type of phytoplankton). DE is a common form of pest control, and it is effective for bird mites. Wear protective gear when using DE, which can irritate people living with asthma or other lung issues.
Chemical pesticides available at hardware stores, which are effective but also toxic
When treating chickens, some studies have explored the use of fungal treatments and essential oils. More research is needed to evaluate this natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
What Kills Bird Mites Instantly?
A chemical insecticide, like permethrin, ß-cyfluthrin, or deltamethrin, will kill bird mites on contact. However, you will often not see bird mites, so eliminating the source rather than spot-killing works best. Consider speaking with a pest control professional about the best practices to manage bird mites.
Related: The Best Bug Sprays, Backed By Our Testing
Summary
Bird mites are parasites in the arachnid family. They feed off bird blood but sometimes come into contact with and bite humans. Fortunately, bird mites cannot live on humans or survive on human blood and do not pose a health threat. The most common way bird mites enter homes is through pet birds or nests that are on or very near the house.
You can prevent bird mites by keeping birds from building nests on your home or porch and address mites in the home through vacuuming and natural or chemical pest control products. Most often, without access to their food source (birds), these mites will die within a couple of weeks.
If you suspect bird mites but your symptoms persist for longer than a few weeks, it may be time to see a healthcare provider. Other insects, mites, or allergens may be the cause of your symptoms.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
