Bed Bug Bites, Bed Bug Exterminator, Bed Bug London, Pest Control in London

Mites

There are a whole range of different mites, including pigeon mites, cheese mites, flour mites and poultry mites.

Poultry Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)

Features/biology

Poultry mites are a big challenge, as they can survive a long period of time without eating; and being extremely small (at less an 1mm) also makes them extremely difficult to see.

Problems/Risks

In London, the pigeon mite is the most common mite affecting domestic premises, and, as the name implies, it is associated with pigeon nests and dead pigeons. However, these mites can also affect other nesting birds e.g. Other birds nests that are in a loft area. Pigeon mites can migrate to alternative food sources (e.g. Humans) if their original host (food source) is no-longer present. e.g. If the bird(s) have flown away, or a decaying dead bird has turned to dust.

Other mites, such as flour mites, can cause problems when their numbers become very large, especially in commercial situations; as a heavily infested food product may have to be thrown away.

Recommended treatment

Initially the source of the infestation needs to be identified and removed. In the case of the pigeon mite, this is usually a pigeon nest or dead bird. The nest and associated fouling needs to be removed and the area thoroughly cleaned and sprayed with an insecticide.

The main form of treatment is to remove the source of the mites (usually a pigeon nest or dead pigeon) and thoroughly spray and clean the infected area.