Bird Mite

Commonly found in bird nests (especially pigeons, starlings, or sparrows) under eaves, in attics, or window ledges; they can enter homes when birds leave the nest.

Blood of birds (preferred host), though they will bite humans and other mammals if their primary hosts are unavailable.

They are semi-transparent when hungry and turn reddish-brown after a blood meal. They are highly active and can swarm indoors in large numbers after birds fledge or a nest is abandoned.

They pose a risk of dermatitis and intense itching from bites in humans. While they cannot complete their life cycle on human blood, they cause significant irritation/stress. No known ecological benefits in household settings.