Where Do Bird Mites Come From?: From Bird Nests to Bedrooms:

Last Updated on 07/08/2025 by Tony Abrahams

Bird mites almost always start in bird nests, living on wild or domestic birds before finding their way into human homes. If you have ever felt an itchy, crawling sensation after birds have been hanging around your property, you may have wondered where do bird mites come from.

The truth is, they do not appear out of nowhere. They have a very clear origin story, and knowing it is the first step to stopping them.

Origins: Bird Nests and Natural Hosts

Bird mites spend most of their lives on, you guessed it, birds. They are not interested in humans at first. Their natural home is a bird nest, tucked away in eaves, gutters, roof cavities, or nearby trees.

Common Host Birds

• Pigeons (often nesting on building ledges and balconies)
• Sparrows and starlings (common in roof spaces)
• Chickens (especially in backyard coops)
• Canaries, parrots, and other aviary birds

Any nest built close to your home’s entry points is a potential launchpad for these pests.

Thriving in Nesting Material

A nest is a perfect breeding ground: warm, sheltered, and packed with a ready food source (bird blood). Mites lay their eggs deep in the nesting material, and under ideal conditions, they multiply quickly.

Life Cycle in the Wild

• Eggs hatch in 2–3 days
• Nymphs develop into adults in about a week
• The cycle repeats rapidly, causing explosive population growth

When their bird hosts leave, that is when trouble starts.

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How Bird Mites Get Into Homes

Bird mites do not have wings, but they are expert hitchhikers and determined crawlers. Once their bird host is gone, they head out in search of a new meal, sometimes ending up inside your home.

Abandoned or Disturbed Nests

When chicks grow up and leave or a nest is removed, thousands of hungry mites can migrate toward the nearest warm-blooded host, often a human inside the closest building.

Openings and Entry Points

• Open windows
• Roof vents
• Gaps in walls or ceiling fixtures

Hitchhiking on Clothes or Pets

Visited a spot with an active nest? Mites can cling to your clothing, shoes, or even your pet’s fur without you noticing, and ride right into your living room.

Pet Birds as Carriers

Indoor pet birds that have been exposed to wild birds or infested cages can bring mites inside. This includes parrots, canaries, finches, and backyard poultry kept near the home.

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Where Bird Mites Hide Indoors

Once inside, bird mites do not settle in one place. They roam, hide, and wait for the chance to feed, usually at night or when you are resting.

Around Windows and Ceilings

• Windowsills and frames
• Ceiling corners
• Light fixtures near where outdoor nests were

Bedrooms and Furniture

• Bedding
• Sofas and armchairs
• Carpets and rugs

Because of their size and tendency to bite at night, they are often mistaken for bed bugs.

Dark Crevices

• Cracks in walls and skirting boards
• Behind picture frames or clocks
• Deep in carpet fibres

They emerge when they detect warmth and carbon dioxide from a possible host, which could be you.

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How to Prevent Bird Mites

Prevention is always easier than dealing with an infestation. You can reduce your risk by:

• Removing unused nests from gutters, eaves, and sheds (wear gloves and seal the nest in a bag).
• Applying Diatomaceous Earth (DE) to abandoned nests before removing them. Diatomaceous Earth kills mites by dehydrating them and prevents surviving mites from spreading.
• Sealing gaps and cracks in walls, windows, and roof spaces where mites could enter.
• Keeping pet birds indoors and away from contact with wild birds.
• Installing bird-proofing measures such as netting or spikes to discourage nesting close to your home.
• Vacuuming regularly to remove any mites that may have entered.
• Using steam on entry points, crevices, and surfaces where mites may be hiding. The heat from steam instantly kills mites and their eggs, making it an effective non-chemical treatment for problem areas.

If mites are already inside, act quickly. They can survive for weeks without a bird host, so prompt treatment is essential.

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Products to Help Protect Against Bird Mites

These products can make a big difference in preventing and eliminating bird mites:

• High-Temperature Steamer: Steam instantly kills bird mites and their eggs on contact. Ideal for treating cracks, crevices, bedding, and entry points without chemicals.
• Mite-Proof Bedding Covers: Fully encase mattresses and pillows to stop mites from reaching you while you sleep, and trap any that may already be inside.
• Diatomaceous Earth (DE) for Roofs and Nests: Apply Diatomaceous Earth to abandoned bird nests and roof cavities to dehydrate and kill mites before they spread indoors.
• Floor Bed Bug Barriers: Our Bed Bug Floor Barriers can be repurposed for bird mite defence when used with Diatomaceous Earth. When the bed is properly isolated – moved at least 30cm from walls and furniture, with no blankets or cords touching the floor – these traps force mites to crawl through DE powder to reach the bed, killing them before they can bite.

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FAQs: Where Do Bird Mites Come From?

1. Can bird mites live on humans permanently?

No, bird mites cannot survive long-term on humans. They may bite and cause irritation, but they need bird blood to reproduce. If they are found on people, steaming bedding and applying Diatomaceous Earth to old bird nests.

2. Are bird mites active all year round?

Bird mites are most active during bird nesting season, typically in spring and early summer, when young birds are in the nest. Activity can continue if nests remain occupied. Using steam treatments and applying DE to old nests during these peak times can prevent infestations.

3. How can I tell if I have bird mites or bed bugs?

Bird mites are smaller, lighter in colour, and move more quickly than bed bugs. They are often found near windows or ceilings, whereas bed bugs prefer hiding close to beds and mattresses. If you suspect bird mites, steaming likely hiding spots and using DE on their nests can control them.

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Conclusion: Where Do Bird Mites Come From?

Bird mites may start in bird nests, but once their natural hosts are gone, they can quickly become a household problem. Understanding how they travel, where they hide, and the conditions they thrive in makes it easier to stop them before they spread.

The best prevention strategies combine immediate action with long-term protection: remove and treat old nests with Diatomaceous Earth, seal entry points, and use steam to kill mites and their eggs on contact. By tackling the problem at its source and blocking their pathways, you can keep your home free from bird mites and the irritation they cause.

How to Protect Couch Seats and Dog Beds from Bird Mites

If you enjoyed our blog, Where Do Bird Mites Come From?, then you might like to read, Why Do I Have Bird Mites?

Sources: Where Do Bird Mites Come From?

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Sources: Where Do Bird Mites Come From?

University of Minnesota Extension: Bird Mites
Pest Defence UK: Bird Mite Infestation Signs and Removal