Bird Mite (Chicken Mite)

Natural Habitat

Found in domestic and wild bird nests, poultry houses, and occasionally in human dwellings after birds have abandoned a nest nearby.

Diet & Feeding

Obligate hematophagous (blood-eater); feeds on the blood of birds but will bite mammals including humans when a primary host is unavailable.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal feeders that hide in cracks and crevices during the day. They have a rapid life cycle, often maturing from egg to adult in 7 to 10 days.

Risks & Benefits

Risks include skin irritation, intense itching (dermatitis), and secondary infections from scratching bites in humans. In poultry, they cause anemia and reduced egg production. They provide no significant ecological benefits in human environments.

Identified on: 2/9/2026