Bird mite / Rodent Mite
Scientific Name: Dermanyssus gallinae (bird mite) or Ornithonyssus spp. (different species for different hosts)
Order & Family: Order: Mesostigmata, Family: Dermanyssidae / Macronyssidae
Size: 0.4 mm to 1 mm (unfed) to 2 mm (fed) - very small, often barely visible to the naked eye
Natural Habitat
Bird nests, poultry coops, rodent nests. They infest human dwellings when their natural hosts (birds, rodents) abandon nests nearby or die.
Diet & Feeding
Blood of their hosts (birds, rodents). Can bite humans when natural hosts are unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal feeders. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day and emerge at night to feed. They are very mobile and can quickly move across surfaces. They can survive for weeks or months without a blood meal.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Cause irritating, itchy bites in humans, leading to dermatitis. Can transmit diseases among birds and rodents, though human transmission is rare. Can be a nuisance infestation in homes. Benefits: None known for humans; they are parasites.
Identified on: 10/25/2025