Bird Mite

Scientific Name: Dermanyssus gallinae

Order & Family: Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae

Size: 0.5 to 1.0 mm

Bird Mite

Natural Habitat

Nests of wild or domestic birds, often found in eaves or window sills before moving indoors.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous, primarily feeding on the blood of birds but will bite humans if a host is unavailable.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal feeders that hide in crevices during the day. They have a rapid life cycle and can increase in population quickly.

Risks & Benefits

Can cause intense skin irritation, itching, and dermatitis in humans. They do not transmit diseases to humans but are an indoor nuisance.

Identified on: 6/23/2026