Bird mites are tiny parasites that can infest homes and bite humans, causing itching, irritation, and discomfort. Getting rid of bird mites from your body and home can take some work, but there are steps you can take to eradicate them.
What are bird mites?
Bird mites, also known as chicken mites, are tiny, eight-legged parasites that live on the bodies of birds, in bird nests, and wherever birds roost. They are tan to grey in color and measure less than 1 mm in length. When birds leave the nest, bird mites can lose their hosts and seek out other sources of food, often biting humans in search of a blood meal. Their bites are painless but cause severe itching afterwards. Common symptoms of bird mite bites include:
- Intense itching, biting, or crawling sensations on the skin
- Small red bumps or rashes at the bite sites
- Dermatitis and skin inflammation from repeated bites
- Signs of mites or eggs on the skin surface
Bird mites can be transmitted into homes via contact with infested birds or bird nests. They can spread from room to room in search of hosts. Getting rid of an infestation requires removing or treating their breeding habitats, as well as taking steps to prevent getting bit.
How to tell if you have bird mites
Bird mites are so small that they can be very difficult to see. Some signs that you may have bird mites include:
- Itchy skin with no clear cause
- seeing small specks crawling on the skin
- noticing small red bites after being in an area with birds
- finding birds or nests in areas near the itchy bites
Bird mites can be mistaken for other insects like bed bugs or mosquitoes. Carefully check your living space for signs of birds or nests. Also look closely at the skin for crawling specks. It may help to capture some mites on clear tape and examine them under a microscope to identify them.
How to get rid of bird mites on your body
If you suspect you have bird mites on your body, there are actions you can take to get rid of them and stop the itching:
- Take a hot, soapy shower. Scrub your body thoroughly with soap and hot water to wash away mites. Pay close attention to creases and folds in the skin.
- Apply rubbing alcohol. Wipe skin down with rubbing alcohol, especially in affected areas, to kill mites.
- Use anti-itch creams. Apply hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or antihistamines to bite marks to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Apply tea tree oil. This natural oil has anti-parasitic effects when applied to the skin.
- Take oral antihistamines. Medications like Benadryl can reduce body-wide allergic reactions and itching.
- Use medicated skin lotions. Lotions containing benzyl benzoate, sulfur, or permethrin can kill mites.
For best results, combine several of these treatment methods. It may take a few weeks of diligent treatment to fully get rid of a bird mite infestation on your body.
How to get rid of bird mites in your home
In addition to treating mites on your body, you also need to take steps to eradicate them from your home. Here are some tips for eliminating an indoor bird mite problem:
- Find and remove nests. Inspect around windows, vents, and roof overhangs for any bird nests. Remove all nesting materials and nests. Wear protective clothing when doing this.
- Vacuum and sanitize rooms. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to suck up eggs and mites. Follow up by scrubbing surfaces and mopping floors.
- Wash bedding and clothing. Use hot water and dry on high heat to kill any lingering mites.
- Use acaricides. Apply pesticides like dichlorvos or pyrethrin sprays in infested rooms.
- Seal cracks and crevices. Caulk and repair any openings on the exterior of the home so birds can’t enter.
- Install bird spikes. Deters birds from roosting on ledges, rafters, or railings near your home.
In severe infestations, specialized chemical fogging or fumigation of the structure may be needed. Maintaining cleanliness and using bird deterrents can help prevent future infestations.
Natural remedies to repel and kill bird mites
Some people prefer to use natural methods to repel and eradicate bird mites. Some options include:
- Diatomaceous earth. The fine, abrasive powder dehydrates and kills mites. Sprinkle around baseboards, floor cracks, and window sills.
- Neem oil. Applied to the skin, neem oil can deter mites thanks to its azadirachtin content.
- Hot vinegar. Wiping surfaces down with undiluted, heated white vinegar can destroy mites.
- Essential oils. Oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, or peppermint work as repellents. Mix with water and spray around rooms.
- Borax powder. Lightly dust borax along baseboards, cracks, and infested areas to kill mites.
Always test natural remedies first for safety and effectiveness. Use them in combination with other evidence-based methods for best control of bird mites.
How to prevent bird mite bites
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding issues with bird mites. Here are some tips:
- Install bird netting and bird spikes where birds roost.
- Seal off all cracks, vents, or openings that allow bird entry.
- Clean up any bird nests or droppings near the home.
- Use insect repellent if spending time in bird inhabited areas.
- Shower immediately after contact with bird inhabited spaces.
- Wash clothing after exposure to potentially infested areas.
- Inspect skin carefully and treat bites immediately.
Quick action when noticing early signs of infestation can also prevent mites from becoming established in the home.
When to seek medical treatment
In most cases, bird mites are an annoyance that can be handled at home. See your doctor if you experience:
- An allergic reaction to bites with severe swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing
- Signs of a secondary skin infection such as oozing blisters, crusting, or pus
- Prolonged itching and dermatitis not responsive to self-treatment
- Significant insomnia or discomfort from repeated bites
A doctor can provide stronger medications and skin creams to ease symptoms and address complications. They can also rule out other conditions like scabies or flea bites.
Conclusion
Bird mites can be irritating but typically do not transmit serious disease. With diligent treatment efforts and prevention measures focused on bird exclusion and bite avoidance, you can successfully get rid of bird mites and their unpleasant bites. Be proactive about stopping infestations promptly when catching them early. With patience and thoroughness, you can successfully eradicate bird mites from your home and body.
