Bird Mite

Natural Habitat

Bird nests, poultry houses, and occasionally residential homes via vents or chimneys.

Diet & Feeding

Blood of avian hosts (birds); will bite humans if a host bird is unavailable.

Behavior Patterns

Night-active parasites that hide in cracks or nesting material by day and crawl onto hosts to feed at night.

Risks & Benefits

Risk of itchy, red skin irritations and dermatitis in humans; harmful to poultry and wild birds. No known ecosystem benefits.

Identified on: 5/20/2026