Bird mites are tiny bugs that can infest homes and bite humans. They are often mistaken for other pests like bed bugs or fleas. Bird mites get their name because they often originate from bird nests nearby homes. However, they will bite humans and can cause severe itching, skin irritation, and discomfort. Here are some signs that can help you determine if you have a bird mite infestation in your home.
Appearance
Bird mites are very small, about 1/32 to 1/8 inches long, and can be black, brown, or white in color. They are oval shaped insects with eight legs. Bird mites can often be seen crawling on walls, furniture, and other surfaces. They move very quickly which can make them hard to spot at first. You may need to use a flashlight and magnifying glass to get a closer look at any bugs you find.
Bites
One of the main ways people discover they have bird mites is through itchy bites. The mites tend to bite exposed skin areas like the face, neck, arms, and ankles. The bites often occur in clusters or lines. They will look like small red bumps or welts. Bird mites only come out to feed once every 3-4 days so the bites may show up every few days versus daily.
Here are some characteristics of bird mite bites:
- Intense itching is common after being bitten
- Bites can appear in small clusters or patches
- Bites can look like pimples and be mistaken for acne
- The size of bites are usually 1-3 millimeters
- Bites can be red dots that look similar to bed bug bites
- Scratching the bites can lead to secondary infections
Nests
If you find any bird nests inside attics, vents, or other concealed spaces in your home, it means bird mites may be present. Bird mites originate from old bird nests. When a nest is abandoned, the mites will leave the nest in search of a new host which is often humans. So discovering bird nests around your home is one clue that you may have an infestation.
Activity Times
Bird mites are most active at night when people are sleeping. The mites come out from their hiding places in search of a blood meal. You may notice the itchy bites upon waking up in the morning. Bird mites prefer the darkness which is why bites often increase during the nighttime hours.
Skin Irritation
Some individuals who are bitten by bird mites develop skin irritations and lesions from constant scratching and picking at the bite areas. The mite bites can cause severe itching that leads people to continuously scratch their skin for relief. This can cause the skin to become red, inflamed, and damaged. Open lesions, scabs, and skin discoloration may occur as a result.
Seeing the Mites
While bird mites are extremely small, some people are able to see them crawling on their skin, beds, furniture, and walls. The best chance of seeing the mites is using a flashlight and magnifying glass. Look for any tiny, moving black or brown specks. The mites can crawl very quickly but are visible upon close inspection. Skin crawling and itching sensations felt while sleeping can also be a sign of mites on your skin.
Home Infestation Signs
Along with bites and seeing the mites, there are other signs within the home that point to a bird mite problem:
- Mite droppings – You may find small black specks which are mite feces dotting furniture, walls, and fabric.
- Dead mites – Mite carcasses may accumulate in places like window sills and countertops.
- Discomfort around furniture – Certain chairs or sofas where you feel crawling or itching may have mites.
- Pet irritation – Pets may shake their head, scratch their ears, or seem bothered which can indicate mites.
- Unexplained allergy symptoms – Some people are allergic to the mites and experience sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Where Do Bird Mites Hide?
Bird mites can crawl very quickly and hide in many areas inside a home. Some of the most common places bird mites will reside and proliferate include:
- Cracks and crevices in walls, baseboards, floors
- Under furniture cushions or rug edges
- Mattresses and bed frames
- Curtains, blinds, and fabric hangings
- Carpets, upholstered furniture
- Inside electronics like alarm clocks or lamps
- Books, phone books, magazines, newspapers
- Sofas, ottomans, chairs
- Stuffed animals, fabric toys
In general, bird mites like to be in protected areas away from light. Their small size lets them hide in tiny cracks and crevices. Fabric and upholstered furnishings also make ideal hiding and breeding spots for bird mites within a home.
How Do Humans Get Bird Mites?
There are a few ways humans can get bird mites in their living spaces:
- Old bird nests – Bird mites from abandoned bird nests near or inside a home can migrate seeking blood meals.
- Outside birds – Birds landing on windowsills, patio furniture, or porches can leave behind mites.
- Chimneys – Chimneys with bird nests can allow mites to enter the home through the fireplace.
- Eaves & vents – Bird mites use cracks along roof eaves and air vents to enter.
- Windows – Faulty window seals provide an entry point for mites.
- Laundry – Mites can cling to laundry hung outside to dry and be carried indoors.
The most common source of household infestations are old bird nests inside attics or crawlspaces. But bird mites can also ride on birds, bats, rodents and other wildlife that enter homes. Knowing the source can help you find and remove their access point.
Are Bird Mites Dangerous?
While bird mites are a nuisance, they do not spread serious diseases to humans. However, there are some health concerns related to mite bites and exposure:
- Itching from bites can be very uncomfortable and disrupt sleep.
- Scratching bites can lead to skin damage and bacterial infections.
- Some people may have an allergic reaction with swelling, hives, or trouble breathing.
- Mite exposure can cause dermatitis skin inflammation in sensitive individuals.
- Anemia is possible from significant blood loss in cases of severe infestations.
- Mites can transmit other insects like Lyme disease ticks or fleas.
For most people, bird mites will not lead to serious illness. But the incessant itching and biting can significantly impact quality of life. People unable to sleep well or who scratch themselves raw can develop complications over time. It is best to treat bird mites as soon as an infestation is suspected.
How to Get Rid of Bird Mites
Getting rid of bird mites requires diligence and thorough treatment. Here are some steps you can take:
- Inspect your home to find where the mites originate and how they are getting inside.
- Remove all bird nests, rodent nests, and other pest dens to eliminate mite sources.
- Seal any cracks, holes, or gaps on the exterior of your home using caulk.
- Install bird netting or other deterrents to keep wild birds off your roof and property.
- Vacuum all floors, furniture, curtains, beds, and upholstered items to remove mites.
- Wash linens, bedding, curtains, clothes, and other items in very hot water to kill mites.
- Use mite-killing pesticide sprays in infested rooms, along baseboards, and window / door frames.
- Hire a pest control professional if needed for whole-home bird mite fumigation.
In more severe cases, fumigating a home with chemicals like sulfuryl fluoride may be required to fully kill off an infestation. Fumigation reaches areas where sprays cannot and kills both adult mites and eggs. Without fumigation, eggs can survive and repopulate the home.
Natural Ways to Deter Bird Mites
Some natural and non-toxic options can also help get rid of bird mites:
- Diatomaceous earth – The sharp dust dehydrates and kills mites.
- Neem oil – Repels and kills mites while being safe for use inside.
- Rubbing alcohol – Wipes out mites on surfaces and as a repellent spray.
- Essential oils – Oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint work as repellents.
- Desiccant dust – Fine dusts like tri-die and Cimexa dry out and eliminate mites.
Natural methods may help reduce mites but cannot fully eradicate an established bird mite problem. Pesticide sprays and fumigation provide the most effective results against heavy infestations.
Preventing Bird Mites
Once you get rid of your bird mite problem, here are some tips to help prevent future infestations:
- Install bird netting around eaves, vents, and outdoor areas to keep birds away.
- Seal cracks, holes, and entry points with caulk, foam, weather stripping, or screen covers.
- Keep plants and bushes trimmed back from touching the house exterior.
- Place sticky bird repellent gel on ledges, rafters, fences to discourage roosting.
- Use bird spikes on railings, gutters, and patio covers to block perching.
- Place old bird nests and droppings in sealed plastic bags and discard.
- Hang fake plastic owls which scare away nesting birds.
- Use strong box fans and air conditioning to prevent entry through windows.
Consulting a pest control professional can also help you identify and fix potential access points on your home. Installing mite-proof screens, vents, and covers will help keep new mites from getting back inside.
Conclusion
Bird mites can be an aggravating and uncomfortable pest problem. However, there are effective solutions to eradicate them for good. Identifying the signs of an infestation early allows you to get treatment and stop the mites before they multiply and spread further in your home. With diligent sanitation and proofing tactics, you can successfully protect your home from future bird mite issues.
