Bird Mite
Scientific Name: Dermanyssini (Dermanyssus and Ornithonyssus species)
Order & Family: Order: Mesostigmata, Family: Dermanyssidae
Size: 0.7 mm to 1.0 mm (hardly visible to the naked eye)
Natural Habitat
Nests of wild or domestic birds, often moving into residential homes through vents or windows once birds leave.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate blood-feeders; they primarily feed on birds but will bite humans and pets if their host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
Highly active at night; they crawl rapidly and are known for their ability to survive several weeks without a host.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include skin irritation, intense itching, and dermatitis in humans; they do not transmit diseases to humans but are significant pests to poultry.
Identified on: 12/31/2025