Bird Mite

Dermanyssus gallinae

Appearance

•  They are 0.6 - 0.7mm in length
•  They have a soft yellow/green body and eight legs
•  When fully fed the body appears bright red

Lifecycle

•  Egg to adult in 7 days (under favourable conditions)
•  Adult lives approximately 90 days
•  Feed on birds blood

Habits

•  Favours warm, most conditions.
•  Common in birds nests and poultry houses
•  Capable of reducing bird egg-laying efficiency. In severe cases it may kill young, sick or old birds.
•  In domestic dwellings, bird mites may bite people in search of food.