Bird Mite

Found in bird nests, poultry houses, and occasionally inside homes if host birds are nesting near vents or windows.

Strict blood-feeders that primarily target birds (poultry, pigeons, sparrows) but will bite mammals if a bird host is unavailable.

They are semi-permanent parasites. If their bird host leaves the nest, the mites migrate in large numbers into buildings seeking a new host. They are most active at night.

Risk: They cause intense itching and skin irritation (dermatitis) in humans. They do not live or reproduce on humans but can cause significant discomfort. Benefit: None to humans; they are considered household and agricultural pests.