We get calls just about everyday from customers who are desperately seeking a way to get rid of bird mites in their home. When these customers call us they all relate very similar situations. It usually goes something like this: "One or more people in my house are being bitten or attacked by a tiny insect that we can't really see, but we can feel them. We have contacted several pest control agencies in our area and some don't want to get involved and others have come, couldn't find anything, but they did treat my house with a spray. WE STILL HAVE MITES! What should we do now?"
Identify the Pest
Do-It-Yourself Bird Mite Treatment
After bird mites have been properly identified, the treatment process can be begin.
Find the Source of the Infestation
Nesting birds, dead birds, pet birds, birds in chimneys/attics, and birds around air conditioning units can all be sources of mite infestation in your home. Remove any old nests or dead birds, however prior to removal, you may need to check with your local authorities as most birds are protected by law.
Vacuum
Frequently vacuuming infested rooms will dramatically reduce the number of mites. Make sure carpets, rugs, curtains, and furniture are all thoroughly vacuumed. Vacuum bags should be immediately removed from the vacuum cleaner and sealed in a bag and put in the freezer. This will kill the mites. If your vacuum cleaner does not use bags, just empty the collection container into a bag then place it in the freezer.
Wash Everything
Wash and dry fabric items that are located in the infested areas. You may want to do this several times a week as the infestation continues in order to ensure proper and effective treatment.
Choose an Appropriate Bird Mite Insecticide
There are several insecticides that can be used to treat bird mites such as:
- Steri-Fab is a spray insecticide that can be sprayed on couches, chairs and other upholstered furniture where you may spend time resting.
- CimeXa Insecticide Dust is an insecticide dust for all the cracks and crevices around the perimeter of an infested room. A desiccant dust like CimeXa should be used in cracks and crevices all around infested areas. A thin coat of dust should be applied to rugs and carpets and raked (not swept) back and forth, to allow the dust to enter the rug or carpet. After application, the product should sit overnight and repeat application as necessary. For effective control, vacuum every 3-4 days after each application.
- Onslaught is another insecticide that can be used for a faster knockdown. The insecticide should be thoroughly applied as a fine particle broadcast spray using a hand pump sprayer to infested rugs and carpets and other cracks and crevices around the perimeter of each room.
When using insecticides, It is very important to read the label and follow the instructions. Mixing concentrated insecticides at higher concentrations than recommended does not render them "more powerful". The mites will just avoid the treated areas where the insecticide is too potent and you may end up making the mites resistant to the insecticide.
Products needed for Step 2D
Call A Professional
An Additional Note: When insects cannot be found at all in the environment but the biting sensation and itching are still occurring, a trip to the doctor or dermatologist is recommended. Insects like follicle mites, scabie mites, or chiggers may be the culprits.
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