Bird Mite

Natural Habitat

Found in bird nests, on poultry, or inside buildings near abandoned or active bird nests.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous (blood-feeding) on birds, primarily domestic fowl and wild birds; they may bite humans if their bird hosts are unavailable.

Behavior Patterns

They are active year-round and can complete their life cycle in 5–12 days. They are highly mobile and will migrate into living spaces once their primary avian host has left the nest.

Risks & Benefits

Can cause intensely itchy bites and dermatitis in humans; however, they cannot survive or reproduce on human blood alone. They are significant pests in the poultry industry.

Identified on: 5/22/2026