How to Determine Bird Mite Bites

Is your skin becoming irritated and itchy? Those things you thought were mosquito bites might end up being something much more annoying. While bird mites tend to avoid humans as long as they have an avian host, they can seek out human blood if presented with no other option. Here's how to identify when you have bird mites and possibly prevent thousands of them from infesting your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnifying glass
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Instructions

  1. Identify bird mite bites

    • 1

      Employ the magnifying glass for a close-up inspection of the irritated or bumpy skin. When clustered together, the skin will look affected by a rash, or large mosquito bites.

    • 2

      Determine if the bites meet these descriptions:

      Approximately 1/4 inch in width
      Red bull's-eye pattern
      Raised center
      Takes longer to heal than a normal mosquito bite

    • 3

      Search your home to seek out potential bird mite infestations. Bird mites tend to infest bedrooms and bathrooms first before spreading to the rest of the house. They are 1/32 of an inch long, but can be seen by the naked eye, especially if in large numbers.

    • 4

      Choose a method of extermination if an infestation is discovered. Options include:

      Wash the house with a natural detergent.
      Replace the housing insulation, where mites tend to breed.
      Clean the house with over-the-counter pesticides (keep away from children).
      Hire a professional pest control company to fumigate the house.