You searching for how to get rid of bird mites is an indication that you have a serious problem with these avian parasites. Bird mites in the house are a severe problem for everyone, so it is crucial to get rid of them as soon as possible. This article will give you all the information you need to identify and eliminate bird mites in bed and every corner of your house.
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Ways to Get Rid of Bird Mites
Bird mites, also called bird lice, naturally inhabit the skin of wild birds and domestic fowls. They are found in birds’ nests and on baby birds. These pests can move to living spaces in houses when left without a host to feed on. When the young birds leave the nest, bird mites go in search of a blood meal on humans or on dogs. Here are two ways to get rid of bird mites.
1. Using Bird Mite Insecticide
- Find the source of the infestation
Some of the most common locations where you can find the infestation are in the attic or around your air conditioning units.
- Vacuum and vacuum some more
Vacuum everything in the infested room, from the carpets to the furniture. This will reduce the number of mites. Properly dispose of the vacuum bags and place them in the freezer to kill the mites.
- Wash everything
Thoroughly wash and dry fabric items in the infested area. Do this several times as the the infestation can continue.
- Spray insecticide
Pick out a suitable insecticide designed for bird mites like Sterifab. Spray it on upholstered furniture. For crevices and cracks, CimeXa Dust is desiccant dust that works well. Follow the instructions on the products’ packaging.
2. Using Homemade Bird Mites Spray
The step-by-step process is similar to using insecticide; the only difference is what you use in the last step. Here are some natural bird mites spray alternatives:
- Vinegar
Mix white vinegar with a few drops of your preferred essential oil (peppermint is ideal) and pour it into a spray bottle. This solution is safe for farm and poultry animals.
- Listerine
Spray Listerine directly to the infested area. It has a menthol ingredient that safely repels and eliminates many bugs. You can also use it to ease the discomfort and irritation caused by bird mites.
- Essential Oils
These oils have anti-parasitic properties that effectively fight different kinds of bugs and pests. The pleasant smell makes them disoriented and confused. The best essential oil options you can consider for your homemade sprays are lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. Simply mix a few drops of essential oil into the water and spray them on the infestation sites.
If you think this bird mite treatment is too much for you to handle or if bird mites persist after trying everything, call a pest control service.
Bird Mites FAQs
If you are encountering these bird mites for the first time, you probably don’t know much about them. Here are helpful answers to several commonly asked questions about bird mites.
1. Where do bird mites live?
Bird mites thrive in moist and humid conditions. They are active during the spring and early summer. You will find them where birds nests are located.
2. How do you know if you have bird mites?
The first sign of having bird mites are tiny and itchy bites all over your body. They are often active during the night and early morning, so you are more likely to wake up to more bites every day. You might also see red dots moving on the bed, ceiling, or walls.
3. How to treat bird mite bites?
To treat bird mites bite, you need to clean the skin first and remove any remaining mites on your skin. For itching, use a moisturizer. Oral antihistamine or topical steroid can address and reduce inflammation. If a secondary bacterial infection develops, you will need an antibiotic.
4. Does alcohol kill bird mites?
Yes. Rubbing alcohol kills bird mites when they ingest it. Add it to a solution and wipe surfaces using a solution-dipped mop or cloth.
5. What temperature kills bird mites?
55°F to -60°F is the ideal temperature range that can kill bird mite adults, eggs, larvae, and nymphs. Read more here!
6. Can bird mites live on clothes?
Bird mites do not live on humans, but they can bum a ride when they come in contact with your clothes. They can use it to go from one area of the house to another.
7. Do bird mites go under the skin?
No. Bird mites do not burrow and live under the skin as scabies mites do.
Conclusion
We hope you can effectively remove all the bird mites in your home after reading this article about how to get rid of bird mites. It has everything you need to know about these avian pests, from identifying to getting rid of them. We also covered some important questions and provided answers to them.
Do you have any tips on how to drive away bird mites? Share them with us. We love hearing from our readers!
Moreover, don’t forget to check other topics that are related to taking care of birds
- Step-by-step to keep mosquitoes out of bird bath.
- Clean a bird bath with vinegar.
- Ways to clean a bird cage with the bird inside.
George and I became friends after a birdwatching trip with our new group. And we have been enjoying every adventure together. When he told me the idea of establishing a site that shares our experiences and fun, I immediately agreed. After trials and errors, here we have Thayerbirding.
