Mite

Adult female chicken mites are small, at only roughly 1/32” long. They have flat, oval bodies, and are nearly white when unfed, but become bright red when recently fed, turning gray to black when the blood meal is partially digested. Chicken mites are covered with tiny hairs across their back and have long, whip-like mouthparts.

A variety of mite species infest different types of birds and other animals. There are more species of mites that are not ectoparasites, but rather are pests of trees and other plants or live freely in the soil. Mites are one of the more difficult arthropods to identify, therefore requiring specimens be sent to a university with a qualified acarologist – an entomologist who studies mites. Knowing the type of mite involved is critical in determining the source of the infestation. (For example, mites occurring from the nests of rats or mice are also possible, though rare, in buildings.) On farms, mites that infest poultry sometimes become a problem in barns or can bite humans who work with the birds. More commonly, in homes and commercial buildings, mites that infest pest birds, such as pigeons and sparrows, may find their way into living spaces of homes. Some cases of mites biting humans in buildings have been reported.

Bird mites live on and feed on the blood of birds. Without bird blood, they can’t complete their life cycle. A bird mite can develop from egg to larva to nymph to mature adult in about 1 week. Some mites die within 7 days, but others can live up to several weeks. 

Bird mites are found throughout the United States and in different countries. They prefer warm climates, so they’re typically active during the spring and early summer.
These mites originate in birds like chickens, pigeons, sparrows, and starlings — but also live near bird nests.

Where Do They Live?
Infestations tend to occur during the spring and early summer, when bird nests are plentiful. Bird mites often reside within the nests of their hosts. These nests are commonly found in:
→ Chimneys
→ Eaves
→ Roof spaces
→ Small cracks or cavities in walls
→ Window ledges

Usually, one or more specimens are discovered wandering on a windowsill, on the floor, or possibly on a desk or table. Generally, such cases result from birds nesting in the attic, walls, or on the outside edge of the building’s roof. If the birds leave the nest, the mites will wander in search of a new host. Occasionally, however, bird activity within a commercial building (e.g., a church bell tower) that has been allowed to persist will cause an infestation of mites and other bird ectoparasites. They will wander indoors in search of new hosts. Like all mites, bird mites must remain on or very close to their hosts to survive, so they will be found in association with bird nests located on or within a building.

Bird mite populations are extremely destructive and grow rapidly; eggs hatch in some species after three days and mature into adults within another five.

Do They Bite Humans?
These pests are not parasites of humans in the long-term and can bite people if their preferred hosts are no longer available. Although bird mites rarely cause more than slight skin irritation in humans, they pose great danger to a variety of birds, including pet birds and poultry.

For the most part, a bird mite bite is harmless. Yet, some people might have complications. In the case of intense itching, constantly scratching can break the skin. If bacteria gets underneath your skin, this can lead to a secondary bacterial infection.
Symptoms of a bacterial skin infection include:
→ pain
→ redness
→ skin that’s warm to the touch
→ discharge
→ Itching can also become so severe that it keeps you awake at night. This can lead to daytime fatigue.