Bird Mite
Scientific Name: Ornithonyssus sylviarum / Dermanyssus gallinae
Order & Family: Order: Mesostigmata, Family: Macronyssidae / Dermanyssidae
Size: 0.5 mm to 1 mm (hardly visible to the naked eye, appearing as moving specks)
Natural Habitat
Themites typicaly reside in bird nests in eaves, chimneys, and vents; they often migrate into human dwellings when birds abandon the nest.
Diet & Feeding
Parasitic blood-feeders. They primarily feed on the blood of birds but will bite humans and pets if their host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are highly active, often found near windowsills or vents, and reproduce rapidly in warm conditions. They can live for several weeks away from a bird host.
Risks & Benefits
They do not transmit diseases to humans but cause intense itching, skin irritation, and dermatitis through their bites. There are no ecological benefits to their presence in homes.
Identified on: 3/5/2026