Bird Mites: What to Know and How to Protect Your Property

These tiny, bloodthirsty creatures infest homes, and offices, and pose a serious health risk to residents of Singapore. 

In this article, you will learn more about bird mites, and their impact on health. We will also discuss safeguarding your home from bird mite infestations with practical prevention tips and expert advice.

What are Bird Mites?

Bird mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids, the same class of animals as spiders, and scorpions, that feed on the blood of birds and other animals. They are no more than 1.5 millimeters long when fully matured and have an oval-shaped body. There are multiple sub-species of bird mites and those found in Singapore are usually the Ornithonyssus bursa (tropical fowl mite) and Ornithonyssus sylviarum (northern fowl mite).

How Do Bird Mites Spread?

Bird mites primarily spread from bird nests. These mites can drop off birds and onto surfaces and crawl into buildings through windows, doors, and other openings.

The dense urban landscape of Singapore and numerous birds have made apartments and offices susceptible to bird mite infestations. 

You have to watch out for bird mite infestation and take action immediately. In the next section, we share the signs of bird mite infestation.

Signs of Bird Mite Infestation

If you can identify a bird mite infestation early it is easier to fend it off. Here are some common signs to look out for:

Bites and Irritation

The most common sign is a red bump or rash that resembles a mosquito bite or a bed bug rash. Look out for itchy red welts on your back and arms which indicate bird mite bites. 

Presence of Bird Nests

If birds are roosting near your property or on the roof there is a strong possibility that these tiny parasites have entered your home.

Feathers and Droppings

The presence of feathers or droppings near your apartment building can indicate that birds and bird mites are nearby.

Increased Itchiness

If you are itching more than usual and there is no other cause to explain the malaise, it is possibly due to bird mites. 

While bird mites do not spread serious diseases, their bites can cause great discomfort as well as distress from scratching continuously. You have to take preventive measures against bird mite infestations.

How to Prevent Bird Mite Infestations

You have to protect your property from bird mites at all costs. Once they have entered, they make life extremely difficult for inhabitants. To prevent bird mite infestations consider the following strategies: 

1. Remove Bird Nests

Ensure that no birds are present, and then gently remove bird nests around your home. This is crucial since it eliminates the primary source of bird mites.

2. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for small openings through which bird mites might enter. Older apartments without air conditioning have small vents near the ceiling to let air circulate and these are the perfect entry points for bird mites. Seal any such route of ingress. 

3. Maintain Cleanliness

Meticulously clean your home and adjoining lobby, hallways, corridors, staircases, elevators, and terraces. If you are in an apartment building, convince others of the need to spruce up and sanitize common areas at regular intervals. 

4. Use Bird Deterrents

Prevent birds from landing and nesting near your home. Install bird netting on open areas like balconies and rooftops to prevent birds from building nests. Place bird spikes on ledges or window sills to prevent our feathery friends from perching. 

5. Avoid Feeding Birds

Bird mites originate from birds and birds visit those places where they find food. Discourage neighbors and family members from feeding birds near your home and the problem is solved. 

But how to proceed if you already have a bird mite problem in your home? We suggest steps to address a bird mite infestation below.

What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation

If you suspect bird mite infestation, you need to act quickly to prevent the problem from getting out of hand. Thankfully bird mites are not as tenacious as bed bugs and are easy to remove. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to address the problem and resolve it swiftly:

1. Identify and Detect Bird Mites

The most common indication of a bird mite infestation is the appearance of itchy, red bites on your skin. But these can also happen from bed bugs, hence first inspect your bedroom and eliminate that possibility. 

Although bird mites are tiny unlike bed bugs they do not hide from light. Therefore it is easy to spot them on surfaces or in bedding using a powerful flashlight. Bed bugs will always scurry away at lightning speed but not bird mites. 

2. Remove Bird Nests

Locate any bird nests in or around your home and remove them gently. Always remember to wear gloves and a mask because birds are carriers of multiple diseases such as cryptococcosis and psittacosis. Dispose of the nest in a sealed plastic bag so that any mites that are inside don't spread. 

3. Clean Thoroughly

After removing any nest, clean your home thoroughly. Thoroughly clean all surfaces, then follow up with a disinfectant. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any bird mites from bedding and sofa. You might have to use steam cleaning to remove persistent infestation. 

4. Seek Expert Assistance

If you suspect that your efforts were not enough, it is time to call in the professionals. Bird control specialists in Singapore use miticides or insecticides specifically designed for treating bird mites. There is no cause for worry since pest control companies in Singapore use NEA-approved chemicals that are safe and highly effective. 

If there is a bird mite infestation or you require bird pest management, reach out to a trusted pest control provider in Singapore for an effective solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bird Mites in Singapore

1. How long can bird mites survive indoors? 

Bird mites die within a couple of weeks without a blood meal from a bird host. This means that once they enter your home and if no birds are present, they survive for this period while searching for a new source of blood. 

2. Are there any natural remedies to get rid of bird mites? 

Diatomaceous earth is commonly used for pest control. It dehydrates and kills insects especially bed bugs and mites of various species.  

Besides, strong-smelling natural oils such as neem, and tea tree oil, are effective at repelling mites. 

3. Can I prevent bird mites from returning?

Yes, by:

• Installing bird deterrents (e.g., spikes or netting)
• Sealing off nesting areas
• Regular pest control inspections

4. Can bird mites bite humans?

Yes, while they prefer birds, bird mites will bite humans if their original host is no longer available. Bites can cause itching, rashes, and skin irritation but bird mites don’t typically live on humans.

5. Are bird mites common in Singapore?

Yes, due to Singapore’s warm and humid climate, bird mites thrive here, especially in areas with frequent bird activity like pigeons nesting near buildings or on air-conditioning ledges.

6. How do I know if I have a bird mite infestation?

Signs include:

• Itchy red bites, especially at night
• Tiny crawling insects on walls, ceilings, or near windows
• History of bird nesting near your property

7. Where do bird mites usually come from?

In Singapore, they usually come from:

• Bird nests on aircon ledges
• Gaps in roof tiles
• Balcony railings or window sills where birds perch or nest

8. Are bird mites dangerous?

While they are not known to transmit diseases, their bites can be extremely irritating and may lead to secondary infections from scratching.

9. Will bird mites go away on their own?

No, they often linger long after birds are gone. Professional treatment is usually required to fully eliminate them.

10. Who should I contact for bird mite control in Singapore?

Look for licensed pest control services experienced in bird mite and bird-related pest management. Choose companies that also offer bird-proofing solutions.