Bird Mite
Scientific Name: Dermanyssus gallinae
Order & Family: Order: Mesostigmata, Family: Dermanyssidae
Size: 0.7 mm to 1.0 mm (barely visible to the naked eye, appearing as a tiny speck)
Natural Habitat
Nests of wild or domestic birds, often moving into human dwellings when birds leave the nest.
Diet & Feeding
Blood of host birds; will bite humans and other mammals if their primary bird hosts are unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal feeders that hide in cracks or crevices during the day. They reproduce rapidly in warm conditions near bird nesting sites.
Risks & Benefits
Risk: Bites can cause intense itching and skin irritation (dermatitis) in humans. They do not typically live or reproduce on humans, but can cause significant discomfort. Benefit: None to humans or ecosystems.
Identified on: 3/18/2026