Bird Mite (e.g. Chicken Mite, Red Mite)

Scientific Name: Dermanyssus gallinae (or similar species in the Dermanyssidae family)

Order & Family: Mesostigmata, Dermanyssidae

Size: 0.75 - 1.5 mm (when unfed), up to 2 mm (when engorged with blood)

Bird Mite (e.g. Chicken Mite, Red Mite)

Natural Habitat

Nests and roosting areas of birds. Can infest homes, especially near bird nests or entry points, and may temporarily bite humans.

Diet & Feeding

Blood of birds, primarily poultry and wild birds. May bite humans opportunistically when their preferred hosts are unavailable.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal feeders, spending most of their time off the host hiding in cracks and crevices in nesting areas. They move to the host to feed during the night. Can survive for several months without a blood meal.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Can cause irritation, itching, and dermatitis in humans from bites. In birds, heavy infestations can lead to anemia, decreased egg production, weight loss, and even death in severe cases. They can also transmit diseases among poultry. Benefits: None known for humans; they are generally considered pests.

Identified on: 10/27/2025