Birds delight us with their songs, vibrant plumage, and elegant aerial acrobatics. But sometimes, these beautiful creatures bring uninvited guests into our homes – bird mites.
In this blog post, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control explores the world of these tiny intruders, answering the question, “What are bird mites?”, helping you understand why they can threaten your home, and how to get rid of bird mites. We’ll also introduce you to our humane bird removal services, designed to protect your home without causing harm or distress to wildlife.
What Are Bird Mites?
Bird mites, as their name suggests, are parasitic mites closely associated with birds.
These minuscule creatures belong to the arachnid class, making them relatives of spiders and ticks. While they’re a nuisance to humans, they play an important role in nature by helping to decompose bird nests and organic matter and recycle nutrients.
After infesting nests, the mites feed on the blood of birds. When baby birds are hatched, bird mites feed on them. However, here’s where the trouble begins for us humans. Once the baby birds leave the nest, bird mites often find their way into our homes, searching for a new food source. This is when they can become a significant problem.
Why Are Bird Mites a Threat to Your Home?
Now that we’ve explained what bird mites are, let’s explain what makes them a threat.
Bird mites can be a severe threat to your home and well-being. These tiny pests are barely visible to the naked eye, measuring 0.5 mm. Still, they can become a significant nuisance. When they infest your home, they can:
- Bite and Irritate: Bird mites bite humans, causing itchy, red welts. These bites can lead to skin rashes and allergic reactions in some individuals, making bird mites a genuine health concern.
- Multiply Rapidly: Bird mites reproduce quickly, with females laying hundreds of eggs during their short lifespan. This rapid reproduction can lead to a full-blown infestation in little time.
- Invade Your Space: Bird mites can travel through your home, infesting bedrooms, living spaces, and carpets. They’re incredibly resilient and can survive without a bird host for weeks, making them challenging to eliminate.
Identifying and Getting Rid of Bird Mites
Identifying bird mites can be tricky because of their size, but here are some signs that may indicate their presence:
- Unexplained Bites: If you notice unexplained bites on your skin, especially after discovering a bird’s nest near your home, you may have bird mites.
- Tiny Crawling Specks: Use a magnifying glass to inspect suspected areas. Bird mites are tiny, eight-legged creatures that may look like crawling specks on surfaces.
If you suspect a bird mite infestation, it’s essential to take quick action:
- Remove Bird Nests: If there are bird nests near your home, have a professional remove them carefully to eliminate the source of the infestation.
- Clean Thoroughly: Vacuum your home thoroughly, paying special attention to cracks, crevices, and carpets where bird mites may hide. Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately to prevent the mites from escaping.
- Wash Bedding: Wash all bedding, curtains, and clothing that may have come into contact with the mites in hot water.
- Consult Professionals: To ensure the complete eradication of bird mites, consult pest control professionals specializing in bird mite removal.
How Skedaddle Can Help You Get Rid of Bird Mites!
For expert bird removal in Milwaukee, Skedaddle stands out with our humane approach. We understand the importance of coexisting peacefully with wildlife while protecting your home. We tailor our compassionate bird removal services to each customer’s unique needs, ensuring a humane and effective solution to your bird mite problem.
If you have more questions beyond what bird mites are, all your answers are a call away. You can also submit a contact us form.