Community identification
Bird Mite
Dermanyssus gallinae or Ornithonyssus sylviarum
- Order & Family
- Order Mesostigmata, Family Dermanyssidae or Macronyssidae
- Size
- 0.7 to 1 millimeter in length
Natural Habitat
Commonly found in bird nests, poultry houses, and inside homes if a host nest is located on a windowsill or roof.
Diet & Feeding
Parasitic blood-feeders that primary target birds but will bite humans if a bird host is unavailable.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs and adults are highly mobile and nocturnal feeders; they generally leave the host after feeding to hide in cracks and crevices.
Risks & Benefits
No ecological benefits to humans; causes skin irritation, itching, and dermatitis in humans. While they cannot complete their life cycle on human blood, infestations can be persistent until the source nest is removed.