Bird Lice/Mites

Size and color

Bird Mites are very small less than 1mm in length.

Characteristics

Semi-transparent in color until blood has been digested when they appear reddish to blackish.

Habitat

Bird mites are generally associated with moist or humid conditions and are most active during spring and early summer and are naturally found where birds (such as pigeons, starlings, sparrows and poultry) and their nests are located.

They may move into living spaces in houses, climbing on walls, ceilings and bedding in search of a blood meal.

Humans can be exposed to bird mites when young birds leave their nests and the mite is left without a suitable host to feed from.

Food Source

Bird mites will feed on humans but do not live on humans as they cannot complete their life cycle on humans. Therefore, infestations are generally self-limiting if birds and nesting have been eradicated.