Bird Mite (or Tropical Rat Mite)

Commonly found in bird nests (pigeons, starlings, sparrows) or rodent burrows; they often enter homes when their hosts abandon the nest.

Blood from host animals; they will bite humans 'incidentally' but cannot survive or reproduce on human blood alone.

They are external parasites that are most active at night or during the transition of seasons when bird hosts fledge. They crawl into dwellings through vents, windows, and wall cavities.

Risks include intense itching, skin irritation, and dermatitis from bites. They do not typically transmit diseases to humans but cause significant psychological stress and physical discomfort.