Red mites are ectoparasites, meaning they do not live inside the host, but instead feed by clinging to the skin.
Dermanyssus gallinae is the scientific name for the common red spider mite, a species of parasitic mite that feeds by sucking the blood of birds. These mites can affect any species of bird, including pets. However, birds, especially chickens and turkeys, seem to be the parasites’ favorite prey. Due to their preference for birds, they can sometimes be called red mite or chicken mite. Sometimes the term red mite can also be used to refer to other red-looking mite species, such as the European red mite.
Chicken mites hide in cages.
Red mites are ectoparasites, meaning they do not live inside the host, but instead feed by clinging to the skin. In fact, these mites spend most of their time separated from their host and can survive for months without feeding. Chicken mites tend to hide in bird nests or along cracks and crevices in chicken coops, cages, and other structures. If there are red mites in the house, they can get into the carpet, furniture, and bedding, just about any dark area where they can avoid sunlight. At night, these nocturnal mites come out to suck the host’s blood and then hide again, mating and laying eggs.
Although red mites prefer to feed on birds, they sometimes bite humans.
Typically 0.02 to 0.04 inches (about 0.5 to 1 millimeter) long, red mites can be barely visible to the naked eye as specks of moving dirt. However, most of the time, they may not be identifiable without magnification, as they often appear dull until after feeding. Once engorged with blood, these mites will appear bright red.
Mites typically feed for less than an hour at a time, and usually only need to feed a few times a week. The blood they ingest is necessary for reproduction, and 24 hours after the first feeding, an adult female red mite is ready to lay eggs. The red mite life cycle, from egg to adult, can be completed in less than a week, which means that red mite populations can grow rapidly when control measures are not used.
Birds that are bitten by some red mites may appear restless and may be seen trying to rub or scratch the skin irritations. However, when the infestation is heavy, weight loss can occur and birds can become anemic due to the large amount of blood lost from mite bites. In chickens, a drop in egg production can also occur. For young birds, the infestation can be fatal. Although unlikely, it is also likely that these mites could transmit disease to their avian hosts.
One way to determine if a red mite infestation is occurring is to hang a piece of white cloth or a sheet over a cage at night. The next morning, the material can be inspected for mites. Since they have likely fed recently, they should appear as small red dots. Mite feces can also be identified as small black dots.
While it is not possible for these biting mites to reproduce when feeding on non-avian hosts, they can feed on mammals, including humans. This is usually only a problem for poultry farmers or others who work and live near infested birds. However, when mites feed on nesting birds, they can become more of a nuisance. Once these birds mature and leave the nest, these mites may seek alternative hosts by invading houses or other nearby buildings.
As red mites are healthy and tend to adapt to virtually any environment, removal and control of red mites should be done as soon as the mites are identified. Affected birds and their environment usually require treatment. After the birds are removed, the aviaries and cages should generally be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. A steam or pressure washer can also be helpful in cleaning cracks or crevices where mites hide and ensure they are removed. The use of acaricides, pesticides specifically designed to kill mites, can also be used for regular treatment and prevention once the mites are eradicated.