Community identification
Bird Mite
Dermanyssus gallinae / Ornithonyssus sylviarum
- Order & Family
- Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae or Macronyssidae
- Size
- 0.5 mm to 1 mm (barely visible to the naked eye)
Natural Habitat
Bird nests, poultry houses, and occasionally indoor living areas near infested bird nests.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate blood-feeders, primarily targeting birds but will bite humans and other mammals if a bird host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are most active at night and seek out hosts to feed. They do not live on humans but can cause irritation when they stray from their primary avian hosts.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching, skin irritation, and dermatitis in humans. They do not provide any ecological benefits and are considered parasitic pests.