Bird Mites

What Are Bird Mites?

Bird mites are tiny arachnids, relatives of spiders, scorpions, and ticks, that live primarily on birds as their hosts. Like other mites they have eight legs and jointed mouthparts, and they are extremely small, often only a fraction of a hundredth of an inch, which makes them very hard to see with the naked eye. They typically hide in bird nests, but when those nests are built in or on a building, the mites can wander indoors in search of a meal and turn up on floors, furniture, and windowsills.

What They Look Like and Their Life Cycle

Bird mites have the bulbous, rounded body shape typical of mites and move about on eight jointed legs, with coloring that can range from tan to brown or darker shades. Their life cycle moves through four stages: egg, six-legged larva, nymph, and finally an eight-legged adult. Eggs may hatch anywhere from a few days to several weeks after being laid, and the mites molt repeatedly as they grow. Like most mites, they have a short lifespan, living only a few months, but they can reproduce quickly when a host is available.

Where Bird Mites Come From

Bird mites become a household concern when birds nest in close proximity to a home, such as in eaves, vents, attics, or chimneys. As long as the birds remain, the mites have a food source. Trouble often begins when the birds leave or the nestlings die, prompting the now-hostless mites to disperse into the living space below in search of a new blood meal. This is why bird mite problems frequently follow the discovery and removal of a nearby nest.

Are Bird Mites Harmful?

Bird mites can bite people, and although they cannot survive long on humans, their bites may cause itchy red welts and skin irritation that can be distressing. Most mites do not transmit disease-causing pathogens to people or pets, but scratching the bites can lead to secondary infections. The discomfort and anxiety of dealing with biting mites indoors is reason enough to address an infestation promptly, ideally by removing the source and treating affected areas.

How KR Helps with Bird Mites

Preventing bird mites starts with keeping birds from nesting on or in your home and sealing cracks, holes, and other entry points. Regular vacuuming and cleaning of curtains, furniture, and floors helps remove stray mites. Because bird mite problems are usually tied to a nest, removing the nesting birds and the nest is a key step. The participating providers in our network can locate the source, address the infestation, and help seal up entry points to keep mites from returning. Call (855) 560-1396 for assistance.