Another infestation of bird (?) mites - Ask Extension
Hello, 2 years ago when I first moved in to my apartment, within the 1st week, I realized I had an infestation of mites, I determined it was bird mite...
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Another infestation of bird (?) mites #331903
Asked June 13, 2016, 2:00 PM EDT
Hello, 2 years ago when I first moved in to my apartment, within the 1st week, I realized I had an infestation of mites, I determined it was bird mites. I determined this by looking at the samples I collected under a microscope, to images I'd seen online. Anyway, after the exterminator sprayed and fogged my apartment and a hell of a lot of cleaning and laundry, they seemed to disappear. In those 2 years I've never opened any of the windows of my apartment because they face trees and hundreds of birds inhabit them and the surrounding roof top of the next-door apartment building. I didn't want to get another infestation. Well, 2 years later, almost to the day, the mites are back. I've only found 2, maybe 3 specimens, but I have about 7-8 bug bites, very similar to the ones I had 2 years ago on my arms and back. I also have that creepy crawly sensation all over my body and scalp. So, my question is, how did they re-infest after nearly 2 years and I never opened my windows? I have no pets. I did just start using the air conditioner off and on but I used it all last summer and there was no infestation. My landlady is going to call the exterminator again. It seemed to work last time. Will it work again? I can't believe this is happening again. Any suggestions? I've added a real life photo of one of the mites I've collected. I have access to a microscope.
Los Angeles County California
Expert Response
First, I would take a sample of the mites to your local county Extension office to get an identification from an expert.
if you do have bird mites, they usually enter a home when birds abandon a nest and the mites leave to find another host. I suspect that there is a nest(s) somewhere in your building, perhaps in your air conditioner. Once you find where they are nesting, you can use exclusion to keep them from returning. Finding an removing the nest is the first step in getting rid of the mites. Vacuuming may help. You can find more information here:
www/extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/bird-and-rodent-mites-in-homes/
If this does not solve your problem, you may also need to contact a professional pest management professional
if you do have bird mites, they usually enter a home when birds abandon a nest and the mites leave to find another host. I suspect that there is a nest(s) somewhere in your building, perhaps in your air conditioner. Once you find where they are nesting, you can use exclusion to keep them from returning. Finding an removing the nest is the first step in getting rid of the mites. Vacuuming may help. You can find more information here:
www/extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/bird-and-rodent-mites-in-homes/
If this does not solve your problem, you may also need to contact a professional pest management professional
