Bird Mite or Poultry Mite
Dermanyssini species (likely Dermanyssus gallinae or Ornithonyssus sylviarum)
- Order & Family
- Order: Mesostigmata; Family: Dermanyssidae or Macronyssidae
- Size
- 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm (extremely small and difficult to see without magnification).
Natural Habitat
Bird nests, poultry houses, and occasionally indoor spaces where birds have nested nearby (e.g., window AC units, eaves, attics).
Diet & Feeding
The blood of birds; however, they will bite humans and other mammals if their primary bird host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are semi-permanent parasites that reside primarily in bird nests and move onto the host to feed, usually at night. They can move quickly for their size and are light-sensitive.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: In humans, their bites cause intense itching, skin irritation, and dermatitis. While they cannot sustain a population on human blood alone, they are a nuisance and can cause significant discomfort. They provide no known benefits to the ecosystem.