Bird Mites

Though it’s in their name, bird mites don’t limit themselves to bothering just birds. In fact, it’s quite common for bird mites to make their way inside of human houses. All it takes is for birds to be somewhat near your home. This means if you raise chickens, have bird houses hanging on your property, or even have outdoor pets, you are at risk of bird mites. Pro-Staff, experts in West Des Moines pest control, can help you identify these pests.

Birds nest with two eggs inside

Signs of an Infestation

Similar to bed bugs, bird mites are incredibly small pests. They infest anything and everywhere, from carpeting to bedding to clothing. Because they are so small, you’ll often recognize bird mites by the symptoms that they cause rather than spotting them in your home. As parasitic creatures, bird mites bite their victims in order to live. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Itching
  • Lesions
  • Pinprick bites
  • Small, red bumps

A mysterious itching sensation at night could be the word of bird mites. However, they can be easily confused with bed bugs. The key difference is that while bed bugs often leave you with a small series of bites, bird mites will leave individual bites more similar to that of a mosquito.

Wooden bird house on tree

Control

The easiest way to control a bird mite infestation is by eliminating the source. Remove any birdhouses or feeders from your property, and search your home for bird’s nests. These can often be found:

  • Around the eaves of your home
  • Basement
  • Foundation
  • Inside chimneys
  • Porches
  • Under the roof
  • Window ledges

Be sure to remove the bird’s nest both legally and safely. Moving or tampering with the nest of a protected species is against the law and could lead to hefty fines. When removing the nest, be sure to wear gloves to prevent contamination from bacteria, mites, or other parasites.
Pro-Staff, your experts in West Des Moines pest control, can help you tackle any of your pest problems — from termites to mosquitoes to bird mites. Learn more about the services we offer by contacting us online or give us a call at (515) 279-7378.

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