What are Bird Mites?

Bird mites are an ectoparasitic infestation of tiny mites that are too small to be readily visible to the naked eye without magnification.

How Do You Know if You Have Bird Mites?

Symptoms of bird mites are very similar to those of bed bugs, and include pinprick bites, intense itching which may or may not occur with lesions, small reddened bumps, and a feeling like something is crawling on your body. These symptoms are usually increased at night. The intense itching and skin irritation is due your reaction to the mites’ saliva. When a large area is covered with bites from bird mites, it can actually look like a rash. People frequently mistake bird mite symptoms for scabies, another type of mite infestation.

How Do You Get Bird Mites?

Bird nests on the exterior of homes or buildings can be sources of ectoparasitic mites, which can move into your home. If you have a bird’s nest near your home, or if your apartment building is home to nesting pigeons, your living space is at risk for bird mites. Bird mites are about the size of a pinhead and enter homes through tiny cracks around window frames and soffits. You can get bird mites through contact with any pets or other animals that become infested, especially birds. You can also end up with a bird mite infestation in many of the ways people get bed bug infestations – by bringing used furniture, carpet, clothing, or other items that have been infested into your home. This can also include hotels and other public or office buildings if the buildings are inhabited by nesting birds.

How Do You Get Rid of Bird Mites?

The first step to ridding homes of bird mites is getting rid of the nest or nests located near the house or building. These are usually found in a old dryer vent, under a porch, or next to an air conditioner window unit.

Once the bird nests are removed, it’s important to hire a professional exterminator to treat for bird mites in all areas, using a labeled pesticide to kill all of the mites. Areas of focus should be window frames, soffits, door jambs, and sometimes wall voids. Hiring a professional exterminating company is a must when dealing with bird mites. Because bird mites are so small, people who attempt to get rid of bird mites on their own are usually unsuccessful because they miss some of the bugs, and then they quickly invade your home.

Mrs. Bzzz Pest & Termite Solutions handles bird mite infestation calls on a regular basis, and our Homecare Plus provides homes with protection from mites, and provides homeowners with preventative measures when nests are encountered on structures.

So remember although it may be cute to watch young birds to develop out of bird nests, it isn’t safe to leave the nests near your home. If you suspect you might have a bird mite issue give us a call at (973) 513-3501.