Bird Mite

Dermanyssus gallinae

Appearance

Bird Mite
  • 0.6 – 0.7mm long.
  • Soft yellow/green body and eight legs.
  • When fully fed the body appears bright red.

Lifecycle

  • Egg to adult in 7 days (under favourable conditions).
  • Adult lives approximately 90 days.

Habits

  • Feed on birds blood.
  • Favours warm, moist conditions.
  • Common in birds nests and poultry houses.
  • Capable of reducing bird egg–laying efficiency. In severe cases it may kill young, sick or old birds.
  • In homes, bird mites may bite people in search of food.