Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIdentificationCausesSymptomsTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Identification
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
Bird mites are tinyparasitesthat 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 withticksandspiders. 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.
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:
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.
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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:
Other conditions to consider include:
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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 containspermethrinto 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:
Pest control products may be needed to stop or prevent bird mite infestation. They include:
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, ordeltamethrin, 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.
What Kills Bird Mites Instantly?
A chemical insecticide, like permethrin,ß-cyfluthrin, ordeltamethrin, 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.
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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.
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.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
University of Minnesota Extension.Bird mites.
University of Wisconsin Madison Department of Entomology Insect Diagnostic Lab.A mysterious tingling sensation: bird mites.
Colorado State University.Bird mites as a pest within homes in Colorado.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.Bird mites.
Cheikhrouhou S, Trabelsi S, Aloui D, Bouchekoua M, Khaled S.Avian mite bites acquired from pigeons: Report of three cases and review of the literature.Tunis Med. 2020 Mar;98(3):241-245. PMID: 32395818.
Farmers' Almanac.What is diatomaceous earth and how does it kill bugs?
Immediato D, Figueredo LA, Iatta R, Camarda A, de Luna RLN, Giangaspero A,et al.Essential oils and Beauveria bassiana against Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae): Towards new natural acaricides. Vet Parasitol. 2016 Oct 15;229:159-165. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.10.018.
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