Bird Lice

Bird lice

When birds build nests in homes, they sometimes bring with them bird lice (mites). If the birds leave or get trapped and die, the mites leave the nest in search of a new host, moving through wall cavities and ending up in bedrooms where sleeping humans provide them with a blood feed.

Control

Bites from bird lice can cause a rash and severe itchiness - personal insecticidal repellent can offer some relief, but a pest controller is necessary to get into the roof to treat for mites, find and remove the nest and treat any areas inside the house with an appropriate insecticide. For insecticides to be effective, however, they must be accompanied by measures to prevent birds from re-entering the house.