The parasitic bird mite usually can be found in areas where large numbers of birds exist, such as poultry farms. They also make their homes in bird nests and will infest domestic birds that are common pets.
When an infestation occurs, bird mites can be a problem, since they will feed on humans. These mites will bite and suck blood and then drop off of the host. Bird mites can be identified easily if you see specks of blood on your sheets. These are from crushed mites that feed during the night. Although bird mites will cause irritation and itching from their bites, they have not been found to transmit diseases to humans. If you find bird mites in your sheets or clothing, the items should be washed in hot water and dried on a hot cycle to eliminate any remaining bird mites.
Treatment of bird mites begins with the removal of all bird nests near your home. These nests are where the bird mites live. After the fledgling birds leave the nest, the mites will abandon the nest and seek new food sources. Bird mites prefer humid conditions, and will be most visible during spring and summer seasons, when they are breeding. This is when their numbers are highest, so they are easier to see.
If you suspect you have bird mites, be sure and confirm the type of mites with a pest control expert. Treating bird mites can be very difficult, and if the species is not properly identified, the method of pest control may not work. Even after nests and all sources of bird mites are removed from an area, further treatment of the area with the proper pesticides is vital to make sure another infestation will not occur.