Bird mites are a common pest that can infest homes. They are tiny mites that live on the bodies of birds, but will bite humans and animals if their normal hosts disappear. Bird mites can cause irritation, itching, and skin reactions in people. Getting rid of a bird mite infestation can be challenging, but diatomaceous earth may be an effective natural method to kill the mites.
What are bird mites?
Bird mites, also known as chicken mites, are tiny arachnids that live on the bodies of birds. Their scientific name is Dermanyssus gallinae. Under a microscope, they appear round or oval-shaped, with eight legs. Adult bird mites are typically less than 1 mm long – about the size of a pinhead. They are just barely visible to the naked human eye.
Bird mites feed on the blood, skin, and feathers of birds. Common bird hosts include chickens, pigeons, starlings, sparrows, and swallows. The mites live in nests, crevices, and other areas where birds rest. They come out at night to feed.
When bird hosts die or abandon a nest, the hungry mites will seek an alternate food source and can infest homes. They bite humans and animals, feeding on blood. Bites usually occur at night and cause small, red, itchy bumps similar to mosquito bites. Scratching the bites can lead to infection.
Bird mites do not survive long away from a host body. An infestation indicates bird nests or roosting areas on, in, or near a home. Identifying and removing the bird source is key to eliminating mites.
Signs of a bird mite infestation
Here are some common signs that bird mites may be present in a home:
- Itchy red bites, often clustered on one area of the body, that resemble mosquito or flea bites
- Mites visible crawling on the skin or clustered around bite sites
- Pinpoint specks (mite feces) on walls or fabric near sleeping areas
- Crawling or stinging sensations at night when mites emerge to feed
- Skin irritation and dermatitis from repeated bites
- Finding bird nests or roosting areas on or near a home
How do you get rid of bird mites?
Eliminating a bird mite infestation involves a multi-pronged approach:
- Remove bird nests and roosting sites. This cuts off the mite food source. Search around and under roof eaves, chimneys, vents, and similar areas for nests. Also check for nests around patio furniture, kids play structures, or porches. Remove all nesting spots and materials.
- Vacuum and clean thoroughly. Vacuum carpets, furniture, mattresses and other areas the mites may crawl onto. Wash all bedding and clothing in hot water to kill mites. Scrub and disinfect any surfaces with bird droppings.
- Use miticides. Apply pesticides labeled for bird mites, called miticides, to infested areas and nesting spots. For example, 0.5% permethrin spray can kill mites on contact. Professional pest control can use stronger products.
- Seal cracks and crevices. Use caulk and sealants to block any openings where mites may access the home, like cracks around windows or gaps where pipes enter.
- Diatomaceous earth. This fine dust can be used to kill mites through tiny cuts in their exoskeleton.
Diatomaceous earth is emerging as a popular pest killing method because it is natural and non-toxic for humans. Let’s look closer at how it works against bird mites.
What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Their skeletons are made of silica. Ground up into a fine dust, the sharp silica particles in DE can kill insects and arachnids when they come into contact with it.
Some key facts about diatomaceous earth:
- Made from over 90% silica, which has abrasive qualities
- Very fine powder, with particles less than 0.005 mm in size
- Has a gritty feel, similar to chalk dust
- Color ranges from off-white to light tan
- Mined from diatom deposits found in various places around the world
- Absorbent and abrasive – these properties give it pest killing action
- Considered non-toxic for mammals
There are two main grades of diatomaceous earth:
- Food grade – Safe for human and animal consumption. Can be purchased as a health supplement.
- Non-food grade – Has additional silica content and may include crystalline silica. Should only be used in gardens.
Only food grade diatomaceous earth should be used indoors for pest control. Make sure any product is labeled food grade.
How does diatomaceous earth kill mites and insects?
Diatomaceous earth causes insects and arachnids to dry out and die in two ways:
- Abrasive action – The diatom skeletons have sharp edges. As DE sticks to an insect’s body, the jagged particles abrade and cut their protective wax layer. This allows moisture to escape.
- Absorption – Diatoms have a highly porous structure and take in liquids easily. DE absorbs the protective oils and fats on an insect’s exoskeleton. It also absorbs water from their bodies.
With the loss of oils and water, the insects become desiccated and die from dehydration. The microscopic cuts may also promote fatal water loss.
DE is not poisonous. It kills insects and mites slowly through physical means. They don’t build resistance to its effects. Any mites that contact DE will be killed once it penetrates their bodies.
Is diatomaceous earth effective against bird mites?
Yes, applying diatomaceous earth can be an effective method to kill bird mites that invade a home. Since it is abrasive on contact, DE provides immediate control when it contacts mites. It continues working by drying out and killing mites over 1-2 days.
However, diatomaceous earth has some limitations against bird mites:
- It must directly contact mites to kill them. DE is less effective against pests that hide in cracks or voids.
- It works slowly, so does not provide the immediate knockdown of chemical miticides.
- Frequent applications may be needed as it loses effectiveness when wet.
- It must be thoroughly applied into all bird nesting and roosting areas to impact the mite population.
Using diatomaceous earth to eliminate bird mites takes patience and persistence. But it can provide good control with regular use. It’s a pesticide-free option for people who want to avoid chemicals in their home.
How to apply diatomaceous earth for bird mites
Follow these tips for using diatomaceous earth to get rid of bird mites:
- Purchase food grade DE. Only use diatomaceous earth products labeled as food grade and pure. They will be free of additional chemicals. Look for DE made of 100% diatoms.
- Wear a dust mask. Although considered safe, breathing in fine DE dust isn’t healthy long term. Wear an N95 face mask when applying it.
- Use a hand duster. Apply a thin layer of DE into crawl spaces, attics, walls voids, soffits, and other areas where birds nest or roost. A bulb duster makes it easy to blow powder into cracks.
- Treat mattresses. Lightly dust diatomaceous earth onto mattresses, box springs, and upholstered furniture where mites may hide. Let it sit before vacuuming up.
- Apply a perimeter. Create a band of DE around the interior perimeter of rooms, along baseboards, and around windows and doors. This kills mites trying to enter.
- Repeat after vacuuming. Vacuuming up old DE removes any dead mites but also the active powder. Reapply fresh DE after you vacuum.
- Use sparingly. Only a thin film of DE is needed to kill mites. Excessive dust just creates a clean up problem.
Is diatomaceous earth safe to use in a home?
Food grade diatomaceous earth is considered non-toxic to humans and pets when used properly for pest control. Here are some DE safety guidelines:
- Avoid breathing in the dust by wearing an approved face mask. Long-term inhalation can cause silicosis.
- Use appropriate eye protection when applying. DE can irritate eyes.
- Wear gloves and wash hands after application. The powder can dry skin with prolonged exposure.
- Keep children and pets away from treated areas until settled.
- Use only a light dusting. Heavy application generates more dust without added benefit.
- Never apply near food prep areas, dishes, or cooking surfaces.
- Sweep up excess powder instead of vacuuming to avoid blowing dust into the air.
Food grade DE is non-toxic for most people when used properly for insect control. Take care to minimize skin contact and avoid breathing in the dust.
Advantages of diatomaceous earth
Here are some of the benefits of using diatomaceous earth to control bird mites and other crawling insects:
- Natural and non-toxic – Made from fossils, DE is natural and safe around kids and pets.
- No pest resistance – Insects can’t develop immunity to DE’s physical effects.
- Long-lasting – DE keeps killing bugs as long as it stays dry.
- Versatile – Effective against a wide variety of household pests, not just bird mites.
- Affordable – DE is inexpensive compared to many chemical pesticides.
- Low odor – No strong chemical smell.
For those concerned about pesticides, diatomaceous earth provides an eco-friendly way to tackle mites, cockroaches, carpet beetles, bed bugs, and other home invaders.
Disadvantages of diatomaceous earth
There are also some downsides to consider when using diatomaceous earth:
- It can be messy to apply. The light powder is easily airborne.
- Frequent reapplication is needed. DE loses effectiveness when wet.
- It works slowly, taking 1-2 days to kill pests.
- Thorough application is required to contact all the insects.
- Breathing in fine dust may pose health risks.
- It must stay dry to keep working. Humidity reduces effectiveness.
DE does not provide the instant kill of chemical pesticides. It takes diligence and care during application for good results. The powder also needs reapplying periodically.
Can diatomaceous earth get rid of bird mites? Conclusion
Bird mite infestations that transfer from birds to human homes can cause significant annoyance from bites. Getting rid of their food source by removing bird nests is the first control step.
From there, diatomaceous earth provides a chemical-free way to kill remaining bird mites through its desiccant dust properties. Regular application into attics, wall voids, beds, and other mite hiding spots can eventually eliminate an infestation.
DE works slowly, so chemical miticides may be preferred if a more rapid knockdown is needed. However, food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for use around the home and provides ongoing mite control when applied properly.
With diligent use, diatomaceous earth can provide effective natural relief from problematic bird mites.