Bird mite

Natural Habitat

Typically live in bird nests, poultry houses, and environments with bird populations. Can infest homes when birds nest in eaves, attics, or chimneys, leading them to seek new hosts (humans) when their primary bird hosts leave or die.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on the blood of birds during the night. In the absence of bird hosts, they may bite humans, causing itching and irritation.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal feeders. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day and emerge at night to feed. They are very active and can move quickly. They are attracted to warmth and carbon dioxide.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and discomfort in humans ("bird mite dermatitis") through their bites, though they cannot survive or reproduce on human blood. They can be a nuisance pest in homes. Potential vectors for some bird diseases, but not typically human diseases. Benefits: No known direct benefits to humans or ecosystems, generally considered a pest.

Identified on: 10/19/2025