Bird Mites: Pictures, Bites, Treatment & Prevention - Healthline

Bird mites, also called chicken mites, are pests that many people don't think about. These tiny insects are a nuisance, nonetheless.

They typically live on the skin of different birds including chickens but can find their way into homes and other structures. This is when they can become a problem for humans.

Think you have a problem with bird mites? Here's what you need to know, including what they look like, symptoms of a mite bite, and ways to prevent an infestation.

Although bird mites are a pest, they aren't a parasite to humans. That is, they don't need human blood to survive.

These mites are so small and minute that they're often overlooked and difficult to spot. An adult bird mite typically measures less than 1 millimeter (mm).

If you spot a bird mite, you'll notice its white or grayish oval body, hairy back, and eight legs. After feedings, these mites can change color and develop a reddish hue.

Some people confuse bird mites with bedbugs, but they have different characteristics. Here are the primary similarities and differences between the two:

Bird mites are found throughout the United States and in different countries. They prefer warm climates, so they're typically active during the spring and early summer.

These mites originate in birds like chickens, pigeons, sparrows, and starlings — but also live near bird nests.

Bird mites live on and feed on the blood of birds. Without bird blood, they can't complete their life cycle. A bird mite can develop from egg to larva to nymph to mature adult in about 1 week. Some mites die within 7 days, but others can live up to several weeks.

Even though bird mites need the blood of birds to complete their life cycle and survive, they can bite humans. Human blood, though, isn't enough for survival.

Symptoms of a bird mite bite are similar to bites of other insects and mites. You may develop small red bumps or a crawling sensation on your skin. Bird mite bites also cause itching, which can be severe at times.

Complications of a bird mite bite

For the most part, a bird mite bite is harmless. Yet, some people might have complications. In the case of intense itching, constantly scratching can break the skin. If bacteria gets underneath your skin, this can lead to a secondary bacterial infection.

Symptoms of a bacterial skin infection include:

  • pain
  • redness
  • skin that's warm to the touch
  • discharge

Itching can also become so severe that it keeps you awake at night. This can lead to daytime fatigue.

Anyone who comes in close contact with a bird with mites is at risk of a bite. Yet, some people have a greater risk. This includes those who work closely with birds and chickens. For example:

  • poultry farmers
  • zoo employees
  • pet store employees
  • pet owners
  • those who live close to a bird's nest

Sometimes, birds will build their nest in attics, chimneys, and within small cracks of a home. If birds living in a nearby nest become infected, bird mites can infest the structure, putting humans at risk of bites.

Mite bites can also occur if you purchase secondhand furniture infested with bird mites.

Bird mite bites can resemble those of other insects and parasites, including scabies. See a doctor if you have unusual bite marks. They might make a diagnosis based on the appearance of your skin.

You'll need to cleanse your skin to eliminate any mites remaining on your body. This involves scrubbing your skin in the shower with body wash and shampooing your hair. This can eradicate mites and improve symptoms.

If you have itching, use a moisturizer after bathing to soothe irritation. A topical steroid or an oral antihistamine can reduce inflammation and itching, too. If you develop a secondary bacterial infection, you'll need an antibiotic.

To prevent a bird mite infestation, avoid close contact with birds or bird nests. If you work with birds, wear protective clothing to avoid exposing your skin to mites.

Also, call a pest control company to remove any bird nests on or close to your property. If you have pet birds, vacuum your carpet regularly and ask your veterinarian about products they use or recommend to prevent mites.

Bird mites are a nuisance and a pest, but the good news is they're not a parasite to humans. Still, a bird mite bite can cause intense itching. If you damage your skin by scratching, you could develop a bacterial infection.

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid contact with birds and bird nests. If you do have to come in contact with birds, wear protective clothing and wash any exposed skin as soon as possible.

See a doctor or other healthcare professional if you develop skin bumps and an uncontrollable itch.

If you suspect a bird mite infestation in your house, contact a licensed pest control professional.

Adblock test (Why?)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tapeworms: How to tell if you have one - Fox News

Image
Tapeworms: How to tell if you have one - Fox News Tapeworms: How to tell if you have one - Fox News Posted: 14 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST A tapeworm is a parasite that you can get if you eat the infected and undercooked meat of an animal. (iStock) Dear Dr. Manny, I ate something on a trip to Brazil and now I've been having terrible stomach issues. I've read about people who have had tapeworms and I don't know if I have one. How do you know if you have a tapeworm? What do the eggs look like? How do you diagnose a tapeworm? Will the worm die on its own? Is it common to get a tapeworm?  Thanks for your question. A tapeworm is a parasite that you can get if you eat the infected and undercooked meat of an animal. So you could have gotten a tapeworm by eating something. It's hard to know if you have a tapeworm on your own, but the most common symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, unexplained weight los...
Read more

What Is Vitiligo? All About This Unique Skin Condition That Impacts Skin Pigmentation, and How To Treat It - Parade Magazine

Image
Vitiligo is a condition that causes the skin to begin to lose its pigmentation—or color—for no apparent reason, resulting in white patches that are especially noticeable in people whose skin tone is naturally dark. If you've heard of this chronic skin condition, there's a very good chance it was in association with Michael Jackson. The King of Pop is reported to have had vitiligo—and other celebrities have it as well, including model Winnie Harlow, who has had an empowering presence of showing the condition's unique beauty and style. All in all, though, it's a fairly rare disorder: Approximately .5% to 2% of the world's population has vitiligo, according to a study in Dermatology Reports . What's behind this uncommon disease and is there a treatment for it? Here's what the experts have to say. What Is Vitiligo? What is vitiligo exactly? "Vitiligo is mainly an autoimmune disease of the skin that targets pigment-producing cells called melanocytes," s...
Read more

The 18 Best Body Butters to Revive Your Skin for Spring - WWD

Image
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission. When you're plagued with dry skin, it can feel like no amount of body lotions or creams are ever moisturizing enough. And you're not imagining things — many hydrating products can just simply sit on the surface of skin, rarely getting absorbed to repair dryness. But that's where body butters save the day. These rich, ultra-concentrated creams can resolve a plethora of concerns, from cracked skin to achy muscles to reducing the appearance of cellulite. But first and foremost, what is body butter?  What is Body Butter? "I like to think it's a descriptive term," says Bee Shapiro , founder of fragrance and body care brand Ellis Brooklyn and New York Times columnist. "It's not a technical term, but we use it to communicate that the texture is extra rich and thick."&...
Read more