Bird Mite
Scientific Name: Ornithonyssus sylviarum or Dermanyssus gallinae
Order & Family: Order Mesostigmata, Family Macronyssidae or Dermanyssidae
Size: Between 0.5 to 1.0 mm (extremely small, often appearing like a moving speck of pepper)
Natural Habitat
Typically found on domestic and wild birds, their nests, and nearby structures. They may enter homes through vents or windows if bird nests are nearby.
Diet & Feeding
They are blood-feeders that primarily target birds but will bite humans, cats, and dogs for a blood meal when their avian host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
They are most active at night or in early morning. They have a short life cycle (about 7-12 days) and can reproduce rapidly in favorable conditions.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include intense itching, skin irritation, and dermatitis in humans from bites. They do not live or reproduce on humans but can cause significant discomfort. They offer no known ecosystem benefits out of their parasitic role.
Identified on: 1/7/2026