Bird lice, also known as bird mites, are tiny wingless insects that live on the feathers and skin of birds. They feed on the dead skin, feathers, and blood of birds. While bird lice prefer to live on birds, they can also bite humans and become a nuisance.
Bird lice do not live very long off of a host, but they can still cause irritation, itching, and discomfort when they bite humans. Luckily, there are some natural methods you can use to get rid of bird lice in your home without the use of harsh chemicals.
Identifying Bird Lice
Bird lice are very small, usually measuring 1 to 2 mm in length. They can range in color from off-white to brown. Some common species of bird lice include:
- Feather lice – These live on the feathers and feed on dead skin and feather debris. They do not suck blood.
- Fluff lice – These inhabit downy feathers and feed on skin and debris.
- Quill lice – These burrow inside the feather quills.
- Body lice – These live on the skin and feed on blood.
You may notice bird lice crawling on window sills or walls inside your home. Seeing them on your body, clothes, or furniture is also a sign of an infestation.
Removing Bird Nests
The first step in getting rid of bird lice is to remove any bird nests or roosting areas around your home. Bird lice can crawl off of birds into nests and then make their way indoors.
Inspect areas like:
- Eaves
- Attics
- Soffits
- Rain gutters
- Air conditioning units
- Chimneys
- Deck/patio overhangs
- Roof peaks and vents
- Crawl spaces
- Cavity walls
Use a garden hose to spray away nests and loose feathers. Be sure to wear protective gear like gloves, long sleeves, and a mask to avoid directly touching nesting materials.
Seal up any entry points or holes where birds may be accessing these areas. Caulk, wire mesh, hardware cloth, or other materials can help close gaps.
Discourage birds from roosting by installing spike strips, slope modifiers, gel repellents or other deterrents on ledges, signs, rooflines, etc. Remove any food sources like open trash cans or pet food that may be attracting birds.
Thorough Cleaning
After removing nests, it’s time to thoroughly clean the infested areas. This helps eliminate any bird lice, nesting materials, feathers and waste.
Vacuum well using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Pay close attention to areas like:
- Window sills and frames
- Cracks and crevices
- Wall corners
- Cobwebs
- Ceiling corners
- Attics
- Curtains and blinds
- Furniture/shelving
- Carpets and rugs
Wash hard surfaces with soap and hot water. Steam cleaning carpets can kill bird lice and remove debris. Dry cleaning or hot washing fabrics and bedding will eliminate lice.
Discard the vacuum bag or empty canister contents right away in a sealed bag. This prevents any live lice from escaping back into your home.
Natural Repellents
Using natural repellents is a safe way to deter bird lice without causing harm. Try applying these DIY repellent solutions in problem areas:
Essential oils
Many essential oils like lavender, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus and citronella have insecticidal properties. Mix 5-10 drops of your chosen oil with 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist infested areas and allow it to sit for several hours before wiping away.
Diatomaceous earth
The razor-sharp edges of diatomaceous earth can scratch the waxy outer layer of lice and cause dehydration. Apply a fine layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth along baseboards, window sills, attic floors, and anywhere else lice may hide out.
Neem oil
Neem oil comes from the seeds of the neem tree. It can disrupt the hormonal systems of lice. Mix a small amount of neem oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly onto infested surfaces and let sit overnight before wiping clean.
Bird Lice Treatment
If you have a severe bird lice infestation inside your home, you may need to use an insecticide treatment to fully eliminate the problem. Always read and follow product label directions carefully.
Some treatment options include:
- Permethrin dust – Apply a light coating of this dust in attics, wall voids, under furniture, and where nests were removed. Allow it to sit for 2-3 days before carefully vacuuming up.
- Insecticidal dust – Dusts containing silica gel or diatomaceous earth can be applied in infested void spaces.
- Insecticide spray – Sprays like deltamethrin or lambda-cyhalothrin can kill lice on contact. Use strictly along baseboards, windows, and other perimeters.
- Insecticide fogger – Foggers can reach deep inside wall voids and attics to kill bird lice.
Always ventilate the area well after use and keep people and pets out until any sprays or vapors have settled. Follow the manufacturer’s safety guidance for re-entry times.
Prevention Tips
Once you get a bird lice infestation under control, there are some things you can do to help prevent it from recurring:
- Install bird netting or wire mesh over potential nesting sites.
- Use bird repelling spike strips on ledges and roof lines.
- Seal any indoor entry points like vents or openings with copper mesh or caulk.
- Trim back trees and vegetation close to the home.
- Keep the yard free of debris and food waste.
- Inspect for nests regularly and remove immediately if found.
- Clean gutters and drains to prevent standing water.
- Use essential oils outdoors to repel birds from areas.
When to Call a Professional
In some cases, bird lice can be difficult to fully eradicate on your own. Signs that it may be time to call in professional help include:
- Recurring infestations that don’t respond to your treatments.
- A large bird nest or extensive roosting area that is difficult to reach or remove.
- An attic, chimney, or other structural infestation.
- Bites or skin irritation from the bird lice.
A licensed pest management professional has the expertise and equipment to remove problem nests, apply insecticides correctly, and take necessary exclusion measures to keep new bird lice outbreaks from occurring.
Conclusion
Bird lice can be annoying and troubling when they make their way indoors. But there are many effective natural remedies that can provide chemical-free control. Removing bird nesting areas, deep cleaning infested spaces, and using natural repellents can help eliminate lice without harming your family or pets.
Prevention is also key after tackling an infestation. Deterring birds from nesting on or near your home reduces the chances of future bird lice problems. With diligent monitoring and Integrated Pest Management techniques, you can safely get bird lice under control and prevent new cases from developing.