Latin: Dermanyssus gallinae
There are several different types of mites that can attack birds. Domestic as well as wild birds. In Denmark, one of the most common bird mites is the so-called red mite, which also goes by the Latin name Dermanyssus gallinae. This type of bird mite is found especially among chickens, but a large number of wild birds as well as pigeons can also be attacked by the mites.
However, it is not only birds that may be at the receiving end of a bite from a bird mite. They can sometimes also attack humans, which can cause annoying skin irritations.
Appearance
The redmites are quite small. An adult bird mite grows only about 1 millimeter long. When the mites have just finished a meal and are full of blood, they are completely red. However, this color decreases as the blood are digested. Thereafter, the mites assume a more black or grayish color. During long periods without food, the red mite even becomes almost completely whitish.
The adult red mites, like other types of mites, have 4 sets of legs. The mite is also equipped with two sets of mouth parts. The mite’s so-called upper jaws have the shape of a pair of pointed stilettos. It is these jaws that the red mite uses to stab its victim and suck blood.
Biology and behavior
The red mites are active nocturnal animals, while during the day they mainly sit hidden in cracks and crevices. They prefer to stay near bird nests or chickens’ perches, and it is also in these areas that they lay their eggs.
Under normal circumstances, the female red mite lays up to 10 eggs at a time, which she can repeat several times. However, egg laying does not take place without some difficulty. For the female needs to suck blood from a bird between each laying. For non-laying red mites, the need for blood meals is not nearly as great and they can easily survive for 4 to 5 months without blood.
The process from egg to adult red mite is over quite quickly. And during the warm summer months, development can take place in as little as 8 to 10 days. The larva does not need blood meals for the first time, but in the following 2 nymph stages it needs blood to be able to develop.
Damage
The red mites are primarily a nuisance to domestic and wild birds, from which they suck blood. But that does not mean that people cannot also be victims to their bites.
The red mites can wander if they no longer have a host available. Therefore, they can move into the home where they can be an annoying nuisance to its occupants.
Prevention and pest control
If the red mites find their way into the home, their movements can often be traced back to bird nests or nest boxes just outside the home. For instance, near ventilation systems, ledges, attics, and similar places.
If nests are found with mites, they should be removed, after which the area is treated with an insect powder or a pesticide to control crawling insects. You can advantageously direct your attention to cracks and fissures in and around the area, so that you can safely treat the area thoroughly.
If this does not happen, there is a risk that the mites will leave their hiding places and look for new ways to find food. And they will thus be able to move from the nest into the house. For minor attacks in the house, you can use ordinary insect spray that is approved for controlling flying insects. If the red mites have attacked the hen house in large numbers, you should consult a veterinarian for advice and guidance for control.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)