Bird Mite Secondary Pest Insect Infestation; when Your Bird Infestation Mite not be Your only Worry…
Bird Mite infestations can be difficult to manage and emotionally stressful for home and business owners. Whilst bird infestation considerations including property damage and health concerns, are troubling enough, there is also the additional issue of potential secondary pest insect infestations (SPII) to address.
What is an SPII?
SPII is a broad term to describe secondary pests that often accompany a primary pest.
In this example, birds (primary pest) may enter your property to nest in eaves, loft spaces or chimneys.
They themselves may have parasitic bird mites (secondary pest).
The term “bird mite” is used to cover a range of arthropod pest species that live off the blood of young nesting birds. Female bird mites require a blood meal in order to produce viable eggs, therefore when chicks grow and eventually fly the nest, bird mites look elsewhere to find a source of food. Bird mites require birds as a food source but may feed off other mammals whilst searching for a new nest. This is when they may venture further into your property and bite humans and pets. Be extra vigilant at this time of year, as bird mites are more active during spring and summer months when there are a higher number of bird nests.
What do Bird Mites look like?
Adult bird mites are small, around 1mm in size, and therefore very difficult to spot. Eggs and nymphs are too small to be seen without magnification. In addition to being hard to see due to their size, they are also a translucent white colour. They may be easier to see after a blood meal has been digested, when they take on a reddish colour.
How can I tell if bird mites have infested my property?
As sightings can be difficult, you may not realise you have an infestation until you or a family member are bitten.
If you have been bitten by a bird mite, you may present with small red, raised bumps on your skin which can be itchy and unpleasant.
Whilst irritating, the bite itself should be harmless unless the skin is broken whilst itching, when a secondary bacterial infection may develop. If the bite becomes painful, feels hot or expels discharge from the area, it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Treatment
At Avon Pest Control we understand how upsetting a bird mite infestation can be. Disturbed nights sleep from incessant itching, and red, unsightly marks on the skin can render people suffering from infestations low in mood. Suffer no more, help is at hand! Avon Pest Control tackle your infestation problem at the primary source, by removing nesting materials from your property. We will assess the gravity of your situation and carefully discuss with you any additional methods we believe right for your circumstances, such as appropriate insecticides.
Think you mite have bird mites? Act fast and call Avon Pest Control today on 01789 293 463 or 01926 632 929, and let our knowledgeable, environmentally friendly pest control service provide the solution to your pest problem for you. Clear, fixed prices guaranteed.