Bird Mites: Causes and Prevention

 

What are bird mites?

The bird mite, also known as pigeon mites, red mites, and bird lice, is one of several pests that might be mistaken for bed bugs. Bird mites are parasitic parasites related to the family of spiders and ticks. They have a razor-sharp mouthpiece to pierce their hosts’ skin to suck on their blood. They largely feed on the blood of birds. When young birds leave their nests, mites may encounter humans to hunt for a new bird host. Bird mites produce skin irritation when they come into touch with humans, but they are neither too dangerous nor contagious.

The course of the bird mite’s feedings determines its color. They are white, almost transparent when they haven’t eaten, and brilliant red when they feed. They will then turn a dark or gray tint once they digest their meal. Bird mites thrive in warm, humid environments, and they are most prolific in the spring and early summer when there are a lot of bird nests around. They’re more likely to be detected in or near residences where birds are breeding. 

What are the signs and causes of bird mites?

Pigeons, chickens, sparrows, and starlings are the most prominent bird mite hosts. When the primary host dies or when young birds leave the nest, bird mites typically spread in huge numbers. Bird mites will infiltrate homes through cracks around windows and door frames, as well as attic openings. Bird mite infestations are more likely when birds establish their nests near or inside dwellings. Infected birds or other small animals purchased from pet stores can potentially bring bird mites into your house.
 
Bird mites do not survive on individuals, but if an infestation comes into contact with clothing, they can unwittingly "hitchhike" around the home with the help of the clothes. Since they are in low numbers and their size is minute, bird mites are difficult to detect. It's possible that you'll notice tiny red dots moving about your walls, ceiling, and bed or that you'll get itching bites. Their bites generally appear as raised red blisters that irritate the skin. They look similar to bites from bed bugs and other mites, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause. 
Bird mites are widely found in pigeons and other bird nesting regions, but they may enter the home in a quest for a fresh food supply if their current one becomes exhausted. When they enter houses, it’s because there’s an issue with birds breeding in attics, chimneys, eaves, window ledges, or balconies.  

Poultry farmers, people living near bird nests, hobbyists (such as pigeon racers, breeders, domestic birds, etc.), veterinarians, and zoo officials are all at risk of bird-mite infection. Humans are exposed to bird mites when using used furniture at work or at home where they reside.
Solar panels provide the ideal protected nesting spot for pigeons and other birds. Residences and commercial properties with birds are more likely to have bird mites. They  rarely harm our properties or us, but they can be problematic for our domestic birds. If you have pet birds, they will certainly infest the birdcage and the surrounding space, treating it as if it were furniture.

What is the prevention of bird mites?

Bird mite prevention can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do around your properties, besides getting year-round pest control services for residential and commercial properties, to keep these tiny terrors at bay. Some of the proven prevention techniques to control bird mite infestations are:

• Removing bird nests from your residential and commercial properties can help avoid bird mite infestations.
• It’s best to consult a skilled pest-control operator if a structure has a bird mite infestation.
• Treat the area with an approved insecticide surface spray or insecticide powder to eliminate bird mites.
• Furniture that is heavily infected may need to be destroyed and replaced.
• Ensure a bird or other small animal you buy from a pet store is free of bird mites before bringing it into your home.
• If you have pet birds, make sure their bedding is clean and changed frequently.
• Carpets need to be vacuumed frequently, and if severe infestations, they may need to be replaced.
• Bed linens must be changed and washed often in hot water.
• Ensure that any chimneys have a tight-fitting cap, that vent covers are secure, and that any gaps around the roof soffit are fixed. These actions will prevent birds from entering and breeding on your property.
• If you come upon an abandoned bird nest on your property, don’t touch it. If you have to, use full protective gear during the process.

 
How to get rid of bird mites?

If you suspect your home has bird mites, the first step is to get it validated by an expert, who can then determine the root of the infestation and take steps to eliminate it. The process usually involves the removal of the problem bird’s nest and the use of allowed pesticides. Bird mites can be treated with efficient bird mite treatment to remove those that move to other infected areas. This method is far more successful than attempting to solve the problem with home remedies, which do not always guarantee total eradication of the pest.
It’s critical to address the problem’s root source and bird behavior around your property. If you have solar panels, you can have them bird-proofed as a simple way to keep bird mites at bay. If pigeons, starlings, or sparrows are nesting nearby, you may use several bird control measures to make your property less enticing to them.
At Formula Pest Control, we provide different benevolent bird pest control solutions. Our fully qualified team at Formula Pest Control has the expertise and experience to detect and eradicate infections, giving you peace of mind that your home is pest-free and hygienic. Reach us to treat bird mite infestations in Melbourne and the vicinity.