How to Kill a Parasite in a Bird's Nest

Birds are attractive hosts for a wide variety of parasites. Some live inside the bird; others are external pests that feed on blood, feathers or skin. The two main types of external parasites found on birds are lice and mites. Lice live their entire lives on the body of the bird, but mites infest nests or roosts and attack the birds at night. Heavy feeding by mites can severely weaken birds and cause death. In order to fully eliminate external parasites you must treat the birds and their nest areas.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic wash tub
  • Dish soap
  • Rubber gloves
  • Scrub brush
  • Water hose with spray nozzle
  • Bird-safe pesticide spray
  • Poultry dust or food-grade diatomaceous earth
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Instructions

    • 1
      Birdhouses infested with mites can result in the death of nestlings from excessive blood loss.

      Consider the nest before you begin. Nests of wild birds should not be moved or treated if they contain eggs or baby birds. This includes nests built inside birdhouses or similar structures. Nests of pet birds or domestic fowl such as chickens or turkeys can be treated whenever necessary. Simply sprinkle the empty nest lightly with poultry dust or a pesticide powder (such as Sevin). Diatomaceous earth can also be used, but its effectiveness on active infestations is unproven.

    • 2

      Remove old nests from birdhouses once they've been abandoned. Nesting material should be removed from poultry nest boxes or pet bird cages each season. Good hygiene will help keep parasite infestations at a minimum, so disposal of old nests and a clean environment will help protect future nests.

    • 3

      Fill a wash tub with warm water and one tablespoon of mild dish soap. Do not use antibacterial soap. Submerge the birdhouse or nest box in the water and scrub surfaces. Make sure to wear gloves during this process and work outdoors to avoid getting mites in your home.

    • 4

      Rinse the birdhouse or nest box with plain water from the hose. Use the spray attachment to power water into the cracks and crevices. Allow the nest to dry completely in the sun.

    • 5

      Spray the dry birdhouse or nest box with a pesticide spray. Pay attention to crevices where mites hide. Sprays containing pyrethrin or permethrin are long-lasting and very effective, but there are nontoxic alternatives such as Orange Guard that you can try. Allow the spray to dry before rehanging your birdhouse. Lightly dust nest material placed in treated poultry boxes with pesticide powder or food-grade diatomaceous earth.