Bug Identifier
Bird Mite
Community identification

Bird Mite

Dermanyssus gallinae / Ornithonyssus sylviarum

Order & Family
Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae or Macronyssidae
Size
0.5mm to 1.0mm (barely visible to the naked eye, appearing like moving dust or pepper)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Bird nests, poultry houses, and occasionally indoor spaces near bird nesting sites on windows or vents.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous (blood-feeders); they primarily feed on the blood of birds but will bite humans if their host is removed.

Behavior Patterns

They are semi-permanent parasites that leave the host after feeding. They are highly active and exhibit rapid movement when searching for a host, particularly after birds leave a nest.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: In humans, their bites cause intense itching, red welts, and skin irritation (gamasoidosis). They are not known to transmit diseases to humans but can be a major nuisance; benefits: None.