Birds can build nests in the most awkward holes. It doesn’t matter. Birds will make it happen if they feel it’s a great place to live. This could even be inside your home. Birds carry many problems with them. One that can quickly spread is bird mites.

What’s a bird mite?

It’s a small insect found in bird nests or populations. They’re incredibly small – less than 1 mm long with 8 legs. Hard to spot. Bird mites quickly move around a lot. Usually found in countries with warmer climates. Oval in shape with sparse cover of short hair. Mostly semi-transparent in colour. At least before they’ve digested blood. Then they appear more reddish or black.

They survive by feeding on bird blood. Bird mites live in nests and rapidly increase in numbers. They can only survive up to three weeks without a host providing a meal. Bird mites are more active during the spring and early summer. They can easily move into living spaces of homes when birds nest in vents, eaves and attics.

After a bird nests, their babies will eventually grow, fledge and leave the nest. When this happens the bird mites will migrate away from the nest searching for a new host. Bird mites cannot live on humans but they will bite people and cause skin irritation before they eventually die weeks later. They will also bite cats and dogs.

Getting rid of bird mites

It’s important to make a proper identification of bird mites. They’re small and can easily be mistaken for other tiny insects. After you’ve spotted a mite it generally means there’s a bird’s nest close by. Locate the nest. It’s best to start by removing bird and clearing nesting material.

Birds can nest in vents, roof spaces and many other places. It’s important to get a head start and seal any hotspots for birds. Repair openings or cracks on the roof or outer walls. Sanitize any areas where you’ve found bird mites and get rid of nesting material where mites can hide. Use dusts and sprays to control the mite population left behind once the nest is removed. When birds are removed so will a bird mite’s main source for blood.

Signs you have a bird nesting in your home

• Collection of birds settling on roof or ledge.
• Loud and continuous bird cries.
• A mess from nesting materials.
• Droppings in a concentrated area.
• Feathers and other debris blocking gutters.

Humane Bird control

If you discover evidence of birds living in your home make sure to contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Our humane process includes removing birds, nests and cleaning up nesting material.

Don’t let yourself or pets get bit by bird mites. Call us today! 1-888-592-0387