Bird mites are tiny arachnids that can infest homes and bite humans, causing irritation, discomfort, and skin reactions. They hitchhike indoors on birds, rodents, or even on people. Getting rid of bird mites can be challenging, but borax may be an effective remedy.
What are bird mites?
Bird mites are tiny external parasites that belong to the family Dermanyssidae. There are over 100 species of bird mites, with the most common being the Northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and tropical fowl mite (Ornithonyssus bursa). Bird mites normally infest birds and feed on their blood, but can bite humans when their normal hosts die off or abandon nests.
What do bird mites look like?
Bird mites are very small, about 1/32 to 1/8 inches long, and just barely visible to the naked eye. They are oval-shaped, flattened, wingless arachnids with eight legs. Usually light brown or red in color, they can appear darker after engorging on a blood meal. Bird mites move quickly and can crawl several feet looking for a host.
Do bird mites bite humans?
Yes, bird mites will readily bite humans if their normal bird hosts are unavailable. The mites crawl onto exposed skin, attracted by warmth and carbon dioxide, then pierce the skin with needle-like mouthparts to suck blood. The bites usually occur at night and can cause small, red, itchy welts on the skin. Some people may have allergic skin reactions to the mite saliva.
Signs of Bird Mites in a Home
Here are some signs that bird mites may have infested a home:
Itchy welts on skin
Bites from bird mites often appear as small, red, raised bumps on the skin resembling mosquito or flea bites. The welts are usually very itchy. Groups of bite welts in a line or cluster suggest bird mites may be the culprit.
Mites visible on skin or walls
Sometimes bird mites can be seen moving on walls, tile, or even on skin if the infestation is severe. The mites appear as tiny red or black dots crawling rapidly over surfaces. They may leave trails along cracks and crevices.
Abandoned bird nests nearby
Bird mite infestations indoors often originate from abandoned nests or roosts in areas like attics, gutters, eaves, and walls. Nearby abandoned nests of pigeons, starlings, swallows, sparrows, or other wild birds may be the source.
Signs of Bird Mites | Description |
---|---|
Itchy welts on skin | Small red bumps resembling mosquito or flea bites, often in lines or clusters |
Mites visible on skin or walls | Tiny red or black dots moving rapidly over surfaces and skin |
Abandoned bird nests nearby | Old nests or roosts in attics, gutters, walls where mites originated |
How to Get Rid of Bird Mites
If bird mites have infested a home, here are some effective methods to eliminate them:
Remove bird nests/roosts
Finding and removing any old bird nests or roosting spots near or in the home helps eliminate the source of the mites. Nest removal may require calling a professional pest control service.
Use desiccant dusts
Applying diatomaceous earth or silica aerogel around infested areas helps kill mites through desiccation. The dusts also deter future invaders. Reapply if the dust gets wet.
Apply pesticide sprays
Insecticide sprays containing pyrethroids like deltamethrin, permethrin, or bifenthrin can kill bird mites on contact. Focus on cracks, corners, walls, and infested areas.
Wash bedding and clothes
Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases, towels, and recently worn clothes in hot water then run through a hot dryer cycle to kill any lingering mites.
Bird Mite Elimination Methods | Instructions |
---|---|
Remove bird nests/roosts | Eliminate mite infestation sources like old nests in the attic or walls |
Use desiccant dusts | Apply diatomaceous earth or silica aerogel in infested spots |
Apply pesticide sprays | Use pyrethroid sprays in cracks, corners, walls, and infested areas |
Wash bedding and clothes | Wash in hot water and run through a hot dryer cycle |
Will Borax Kill Bird Mites?
Borax, or sodium borate, can be used to kill bird mites through desiccation. The fine powder dries out the mite’s exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death. Borax also disrupts the mite’s metabolism when ingested.
Using borax powder
Sprinkle borax powder along baseboards, cracks, crevices, attic spaces, walls, and other areas where mites may crawl. The fine powder sticks to their bodies upon contact. Reapply if area becomes damp.
Borax laundry solution
Add 1/2 cup borax powder to a laundry load with infested bedding and soak for 1 hour before washing. The solution kills any lingering mites. Run bedding through a hot dryer cycle afterwards.
Cautions
Use gloves and dust mask when applying borax, avoid inhaling it. Keep borax away from pets and food surfaces. Do not apply borax powder onto skin. It can be irritating.
Using Borax on Bird Mites | Method |
---|---|
Borax powder | Sprinkle in infested cracks, crevices, attics, walls |
Borax laundry solution | Add to wash cycle for infested bedding and soak 1 hour |
Cautions | Avoid inhaling or skin contact. Keep away from pets. |
Conclusion
Borax can be an effective way to safely eliminate problematic bird mite infestations in the home when applied properly. The fine powder desiccates the mites through contact and digestion. Combine borax with other methods like nest removal, washing infested items, and pesticide sprays for the best results. Just take care to use borax cautiously around people and pets. With persistence, bird mites can be fully eradicated from a home.