Bird mites are tiny external parasites that can sometimes find their way into homes and bite humans. They do not actually infest beds or bedding directly, but they may bite people in their beds if the mites get brought inside a home. Bird mites do not reproduce or live long away from bird hosts, though they can survive for several days after leaving a bird nest by biting humans or other animals. With some preventative measures and diligent cleaning, bird mites can be eliminated from a home.
What are bird mites?
Bird mites are tiny external parasites that live on the bodies of birds and feed on their blood, feathers, and skin. There are over 20 different species of bird mites, with the most common types being the Northern fowl mite, tropical fowl mite, and pigeon mite. All bird mites are very small, ranging from 0.33-0.66 mm in length, and are just barely visible to the naked human eye.
Bird mites spend their entire lifecycle on a bird host, moving from nestlings to adult birds. They shelter in the bird’s feathers and emerge at night to feed. Heavy mite infestations can cause birds to become anemic and lethargic. Bird mites cannot reproduce without a bird host and die within 5-12 days without one. However, during that time, hungry mites that get brought into a home may bite humans in search of a blood meal.
How do bird mites get into homes?
Bird mites usually only enter homes when there are bird nests in or near a building. Some ways bird mites can get indoors include:
– Birds building nests in roof eaves, attics, chimneys, or wall voids. Mites can crawl through small cracks and crevices to get inside.
– Abandoned bird nests near windows or doors. Mites look for new hosts after fledglings leave the nest.
– Birds roosting on or near the home. Mites can crawl off the birds at night.
– Moving or bringing nest materials indoors. This can transport mites inside as well.
– Carried in on clothing or pets that came in contact with infested birds.
– Flying through open windows or doors.
Once inside a home, the mites will bite humans when hungry, seeing them as temporary hosts. But they cannot reproduce without bird hosts.
Do bird mites infest beds and bedding?
Bird mites do not actually infest or nest in beds, furniture, or bedding. Since they rely on birds for reproduction and completion of their lifecycle, they cannot build up permanent populations away from bird hosts.
However, bird mites that get brought into a home may crawl onto beds and bite sleeping humans during the night. Their tiny pinprick bites often go unnoticed until itchy, red bumps appear the next day, usually in small clusters. People assume they were bitten in their beds, when the mites may have hitched a ride inside on clothing earlier.
Bird mites prefer birds and cannot reproduce on humans or in homes. But they can survive for 5-12 days after leaving a bird by biting humans. Any mites in a home will die out within a few weeks if prevented from accessing additional birds.
Signs of bird mites in the home
Some signs that bird mites may have gotten into a home include:
– Itchy red bites on the body, often in small clusters, resembling mosquito or flea bites
– Pinprick sized dark dots on bedsheets seen with a magnifying glass. These are mite feces.
– Seeing tiny specks crawling on floors, walls, and furniture that are barely visible.
– Unexplained rash, bites, or itchiness on one part of the body. Mites may crawl under clothing and bite in one area.
– Symptoms get worse at night since mites are more active in darkness.
– Bites and itchiness are worse during summer when birds are most active.
– Others living in the home experience similar symptoms and bites.
If bird nests are seen on or near the home, or there were recently abandoned nests nearby, bird mites should be the prime suspect for any bite symptoms. Having the bugs positively identified by a professional can confirm bird mites.
Inspecting for bird mites
To look for evidence of bird mites, thoroughly check areas near potential entry points like windows, doors, chimneys, and attic vents. Use a flashlight to inspect for any bird nests, droppings, feathers, dead mites, or live mites. Wipe down surfaces with a white cloth to see if any tiny dark specks appear. Check beds carefully in the seams and crevices for live mites or dots of feces. Getting confirmation from a pest professional can help identify bird mites for certain if an infestation is suspected.
How to get rid of bird mites in a home
The key steps for eliminating bird mites from a home include:
– Remove all bird nests, droppings, and feathers in or near the home. Seal off any entry points.
– Wash all bedding in hot water and dry on high heat. Place cleaned items in sealed bags.
– Thoroughly vacuum all floors, upholstery, and beds. Dispose of the vacuum bag outside immediately after.
– Use miticides or insecticidal dusts in infested areas and entry points. Dusts such as diatomaceous earth can kill mites through abrasion or dehydration. Follow all product directions carefully.
– Use insecticides labeled for bird mites around beds, upholstery, and carpets. Products with pyrethrins are often effective.
– Protect beds and upholstered furniture with coverings to prevent access and bite exposed skin.
– Consider professional pest control if the infestation is severe. Fumigation or whole-house heat treatments may be recommended.
With diligent cleaning and insecticide use, bird mites can be fully eliminated from a home within 2-3 weeks. Prevent future infestations by monitoring for any new bird nests and excluding them right away before mites can enter again.
Treating bites and itch relief
The itchy bites of bird mites may continue causing symptoms for up to two weeks after exposure ends. Some relief measures include:
– Oral antihistamines like Benadryl to reduce itching and inflammation.
– Topical hydrocortisone cream on bite marks to lessen swelling and itching.
– Cool compresses can provide temporary itch relief.
– Avoid scratching bites to prevent skin infection. Trim fingernails short.
– Apply antibacterial ointment on any bites that got scratched open to prevent infection.
– Take anti-itch baths using colloidal oatmeal, baking soda, or uncooked oatmeal.
The bird mite bites should go away on their own within a few weeks. See a dermatologist if bites worsen or become infected. The itching usually goes away within a couple weeks once all mites are eliminated from the home.
Preventing future bird mite infestations
Prevent bird mites from ever becoming an issue again by taking these proactive steps:
– Inspect the home exterior and roof yearly for any new bird nests. Remove all nests promptly.
– Install bird netting or repellent spikes in eaves, rooflines, ledges, or other areas prone to nest building.
– Seal off all possible entry points with caulk, foam, screens, or other exclusionary materials.
– Use bird repellents like reflective deterrents near potential roosting or nest sites.
– Clean up any dead bird carcasses near the home quickly before mites abandon them.
– Teach children not to handle bird nests, feathers, or baby birds.
– Avoid leaving doors or windows open in summer when bird activity is highest.
– Ensure all window and door screens are in good repair.
– Have a professional pest control inspection yearly and treat for any signs of bird mites.
With diligent prevention and monitoring, bird mites can be kept from ever becoming an issue in beds or anywhere inside a home. Acting quickly at the first sign of infestation will also help eliminate mites before they can spread or bite.
Conclusion
In summary, bird mites do not truly infest household beds or breed within homes. But they can bite humans in beds if carried inside from nearby bird nests. Their bites often appear clustered like bed bug bites. But through cleaning, insecticides, and excluding bird entries, the short-lived mites will die out within a few weeks. Preventing nests and sealing the home can stop future mite issues. Being proactive is key to keep bird mites from impacting sleep comfort. With quick action and diligence, bird mites can be eliminated as a recurring nuisance in bedrooms.
