Bird Mite
Scientific Name: Ornithonyssus sylviarum or Dermanyssus gallinae
Order & Family: Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae or Dermanyssidae
Size: 0.5mm to 1mm (barely visible to the naked eye)
Natural Habitat
Bird nests, poultry houses, and occasionally residential homes via vents or chimneys
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous; they primarily feed on the blood of birds but will bite humans if their host is unavailable
Behavior Patterns
They are semi-permanent parasites that reside on birds or in their nests. When birds leave the nest, mites migrate in search of a new host, often entering homes through cracks or window frames.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include skin irritation, intense itching, and dermatitis in humans. They do not live or reproduce on humans but can cause significant discomfort. They offer no ecological benefits to humans.
Identified on: 3/11/2026