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.
I have some kind of mite infestation in my house and outside dead trees are turning white I bought permathane spray
I was staying in a travel trailer. No paved roads my trailer set on gravel. My mom an I walked in the trailer with our shoes on. There was a chicken farm about a football field away from us. The septic tank over flowed right behind are trailer. Ive had some kind of mites all over my scalp. I literally saw walking dandruff with my own eyes. There was mildew all over the wall about a foot from where I slept. In early spring is when I would see bird mites on the ceiling. Also some kind of crazy blackish mite I would see move with incredible speed across the wall. Id only see it for a second an then it was like it just disappeared. I’ve been using selsun blue shampoo, and I finally just left the trailer an I’m now living in a tent. I was in a car accident a few years ago , lost my spleen,appendix an my gallbladder,so my immune system is busted. My mom is a hoarder an she acted like the trailer was fine. Told me just to lay down next to the mildew. I started seeing dictyocelium growing on the walls, and I literally saw with my own two eyes a slug whipping it’s clear tail moving extremely fast over the top of the blanket on my bed moving straight towards me. Google says dictyocelium can’t hurt humans I disagree. I don’t live in the trailer any more, but now my mom and I are both having trouble urinating. And as for the mites I’m trying my best to identify which ones they are and get rid of them. I’m disabled and feel exhausted all the time so cleaning myself and my tent is about all the energy I have. Any suggestions on herbs or shampoos any ideas on how to cure myself from mold poisoning and mites would be greatly appreciated!! I feel like a stray dog with mange all over me. Much love. If I get well I’m going to make this my life’s work bringing light into this and spread awareness just how bad things can get. Thank you in advance for any helpful advice
We are so sorry to hear of your troubles! Unfortunately, we can’t advise on any personal hygiene products that would help you, the only thing we can do is recommend products that would help get rid of bird mites in your home. If you do get a chance, Shockwave 1 Aerosol would be a great solution for your mom’s trailer. Hope your situation gets better fast!!
I have had a problem for 6 years. I have been treated for lice at least 9 times and scabies around 5 times the doctors in Bend OR have tried to convince me its all in my head or what kind of drug am I using.there in my hair in my ears nose and body been a long 6 years have went broke on Landry and trash bags alone but won’t give up you know when something is Rong with your body