Bird Mite

Dermanyssus gallinae

Appearance

Image of Bird Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) | Rentokil Pest Control Canada
  • Bird mites have a soft yellow/green body and eight legs.
  • 0.6 – 0.7mm in length.
  • When engorged after feeding, the body appears bright red.

Lifecycle

  • Bird mites develop from egg to adult in 7 days (under favourable conditions).
  • Adults can live approximately 90 days.

Habits

  • Bird mites favour warm, damp conditions.
  • Commonly found in bird nests and poultry houses.
  • Capable of adversely impacting bird egg–laying efficiency, and in severe cases, may kill young, sick or old birds.
  • Feed on birds blood.
  • In homes, bird mites sometimes bite people in search of food.