Bird Lice Infestation

Bird lice are tiny insects that hatch from eggs laid on the feathers of birds. They are found on all different species of birds, including wild and pet birds. They are parasites that cause their hosts discomfort and can be somewhat harmful to humans if they are exposed to the insects. Bird lice infestations need to be treated promptly by a professional termination service to prevent further spread of the tiny pests.

  1. Identification

    • Bird lice lay their eggs on the shafts of bird feathers. The eggs only take a few days to hatch. The eggs are not usually visible to the human eye, so the bird feathers will appear normal. The sizes of most bird lice range from 1/8 of an inch to 1 inch, depending on the species. They are usually tan, brown or white in color. Bird lice rely on their hosts for survival, so they can survive for only a few hours away from the host.

    Effects

    • Animals infected with bird lice will not stop itching and will feel the need to clean and pick at themselves more often than usual. Affected birds will also have thin plumage because the bird lice feed on their feathers. The bird lice can jump from one bird to another quickly, laying new eggs and causing an infestation. Bird lice have also been known to bite humans on rare occasions, but humans cannot act as hosts to bird lice.

    Treatment

    • If birds occupying a commercial building are infested with bird lice, the birds and their nests must be removed as soon as possible. The infested area needs to be treated immediately to prevent further spread of the bird lice. For pet birds, the bird and the area around the cage need to be treated. The whole house may need to be checked and treated, depending on the severity of the infestation. Birds with bird lice infestations are usually treated with 5% carbaryl dust, pyrethrin spray or ivermectin. All bird lice that are found should be examined by an entomologist, a zoologist who studies the life cycle, classification and control of insects. The entomologist will be able to identify the species of bird lice and implement the correct elimination plan.

    Prevention

    • Talk to a termination professional or an entomologist to determine the best plan for preventing further bird lice infestations. Make sure your home is secure and that birds are unable to nest in your walls and attic. In a commercial building, have an animal control specialist and termination service come periodically to check for infestation and help control the bird population. In terms of pet birds, know your bird's normal habits, and if you see the bird acting strangely, call the veterinarian.