Bird mites and where they come from
When you think about pests, bird mites may not be one of the pests you can think of in an instant. Also referred to as chicken mites, these pests can prove to be a nuisance, especially when they find shelter in your home. If you didn’t already know that, this post will give you a detailed insight into bird mites, where they come from, and how to get rid of them. Keep reading to find out!
Where do they come from?
As is evident, bird mites are pests that infest the skin of birds, including chickens. They can also be found around bird nests. The most interesting fact is that they can find their way into your home and different structures.
These pests feed on birds’ blood for the completion of their life cycle. This whole process takes only about a week. In some instances, bird mites may die within seven days, while others live up to a few weeks.
These minute pests are not at all easy to spot. They usually have an oval body that’s greyish or white. These pests have eight legs and a hairy back.
From pet owners to bird lovers, zookeepers, and poultry farmers, these are some of the people who are at risk of meeting with bird mites and getting bitten. If you don’t fall in any of these categories, don’t mark yourself safe just as yet! That’s because as long as you have a roof sheltering birds, bird mites can find their way in.
Once a birds nest is infested with bird mites, they can start infesting on your home’s structures, too. Also, if you happen to buy second-hand furniture, you might be giving way to bird mites.
Can they cause harm to humans?
Although bird mites thrive on birds’ blood, there is no stopping them from biting humans. However, they will eventually need the blood of birds to survive.
If you happen to suffer from the bite of a bird mite, you will notice symptoms similar to that of insects. This means the development of small bumps and itching.
How to get rid of bird mites
If you think that your house is infested with bird mites, you might want to stop getting in close contact with birds or chickens. If your job demands getting close to birds, ensure that you wear protective gear covering your skin.
Don’t forget to get in touch with a pest control company if you are unable to stop the infestation or the bites become more regular. You could also contact your veterinarian and ask them to recommend any product to help get rid of these pests.
Conclusion
Although bird mites are a mere nuisance to human beings and not a potential threat, they can still be the cause of a bacterial infection. Therefore, it’s in the interest of your safety that you keep away from bird mites and avoid their infestation as much as possible.
