Bird Mite

Found in bird nests (pigeons, starlings, sparrows) and poultry houses; often moves into human dwellings if bird hosts leave.

Obligate blood-feeders that primarily feed on the blood of birds, but will bite humans and other mammals if their primary host is unavailable.

Active hunters that are most active at night; they have a rapid life cycle (approx. 7 days) and can survive for several weeks without a host.

While they cannot survive long-term on human blood, their bites cause intense itching, red welts, and dermatitis. They do not typically transmit diseases to humans but are significant pests in the poultry industry.