How to Kill Face Mites

Face mites are microscopic knemidicoptes mites that burrow into the skin on the face and beak of a bird. They are also found around the vent and legs of the bird, and they are contagious. Symptoms range from scratching of the face to crusty or raised lesions, feather loss and temporary disfiguration caused by the burrowing mites. A veterinarian must be consulted to treat these mites, but ivermectin is usually the treatment of choice.

Things You'll Need

  • paraffin or Vaseline
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify if the bird has face mites. Look for scratching, feather loss with scaly or dry crusty skin on the face, vent or legs, and a flaky beak as if it was rubbed with sandpaper. Newly acquired birds may be carriers of mites, which could be spread to previously mite-free birds. Early infestations will show the bird still feeding and acting normally, but this should not be considered a sign of wellness because birds do not show sickness until they are seriously ill.

    • 2

      Mild infestations can be treated by applying paraffin or Vaseline to the face and beak. Avoid the bird's eyes and do not get the material inside its beak. Apply every three days for two weeks.

    • 3

      Anthelmintics are used to treat the mites. Consult a veterinarian for these effective treatments. If an avian veterinarian cannot be found, use moxidectin, which can be purchased at pet supply carriers. Follow directions closely on this topical product for use on small birds because an overdose is fatal. Topical pesticide sprays have little success because they do not kill the eggs or reach all of the burrowing mites.