Even though their name suggests otherwise, bird mites aren’t just for the birds.
So, what exactly is a bird mite? Bird mites, also called chicken mites by their close friends and family, are parasites that love a meal of some good, ol’ bird blood. But, if bird blood were the only thing that tempts a bird mite tummy, there would be no need for this bug blogger to write a bug blog about bird mites. But, alas, here we are, bird mite bug blogging.
Bird Mite Identification
Along with their spider and tick buddies, bird mites are proud members of the arachnid family. They are teeny tiny insects that usually measure less than 1 millimeter. Their bodies are oval-shaped with eight short stubby legs. They have hairy backs that could use a good waxing and prominent, super sharp mouthparts that they use to pierce the skin and suck the blood of their hosts.
Between meals, their bodies are either white or grayish in color. They turn bright red when they have a belly full of blood, whether that blood-filled belly came from a variety of bird blood sources, including pigeons, chickens, and sparrows, or if their meal came from a human. And as their blood meal starts to digest, they will turn a black or grayish color.
Even though bird mite infestations in humans are rare, it is not out of the realm of possibilities, because it definitely can happen. There is also a very good reason bird mites are considered nuisance pests. They truly are a nuisance. In fact, they are a big fat pain in the bootie.
Bird mites can’t jump, or fly, or hop, but are excellent hitchhikers and catch rides by crawling up pant legs or floating down from tree branches. This is one way they make their way into your home, along with entering through gaps around door and window frames and coming in through the attic. Once they get into your home, they can become quite a problem.
Do Bird Mites Bite People?
Yes, bites from bird mites can cause severe irritation that includes itching, swelling, raised red spots on the skin where the mites were feeding, and a whole lot of pain and discomfort. Talk about being a nuisance. They weren’t kidding. But there is some good news, bird mites are not considered to be dangerous and they are not known to carry or transmit any dangerous diseases to people. Whew. At least they have that going for them.
How To Get Rid of Bird Mites?
So, what do you do when bird mites are buggin’ and bitin’ and bringin’ you down? That is an easy one. HowToPest.com, baby! Look no further for the solution to your bird mite problems. They might not be just for the birds, but that doesn’t mean they have to be for you.
I i have had these for 4 years..i have cleaned sprayed wiped everything.wet my carpet before vacuming. I had an opening in the awening in the apartment. My apartment was sprayed 4 times. Srayed by a professiona andi sprayed several times by me…i w have been totally exhausted. N still am..i mop my floors every day to kerp them down.i could also have dust mites as well..they get around my mouth even when i drink coffee. I have to keep a silk wrap on my head because they get in my hair.they get on my eyebrows n eyelashes..please! I need help..i need to hear or see someones testimony that this insecticide really works.
Move… leave everything behind, start over. I had to do this when I got black mold. I kept trying to save certain items. Ultimately after a year. I had to move and trash all possessions that couldn’t be sterilized. I think the trauma of constantly thinking something is crawling on you is exhausting.