Community identification
Bird Mite
Dermanyssus gallinae / Ornithonyssus sylviarum
- Order & Family
- Order: Mesostigmata, Family: Dermanyssidae or Macronyssidae
- Size
- 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm (hard to see without magnification)
Natural Habitat
Bird nests, poultry houses, and inside homes near window sills or vents where birds nest.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (blood-feeders); they primarily feed on the blood of birds but will bite humans if birds are unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are semi-permanent parasites that stay on the host or in the nest, becoming more active at night to find a blood meal.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and dermatitis in humans. Benefits: None to humans; they are considered a significant pest in poultry and avian environments.