During spring to early summer, bird mites start to become a problem in buildings. This happens as a result of birds nesting and mating as they seek an appropriate place to make their nest. Often an ideal place to make a nest is within the roof cavity of a building.
We have seen an increase in calls from customers around Taree and Forster with bird problems over the last month.
Bird Characteristics
Species of pest birds such as Starlings, Indian Mynas, Pigeons, Sparrows that commonly nest within roofs, all carry Bird Mites.
Bird mites are very small often difficult to see with the naked eye, they are semi-transparent in colour until they have had a blood meal then they can appear to be red or black in colour.
Health Issues and Problems
Bird mite’s often come in contact with humans due to birds nesting within a building or home. Birds can enter roofs through broken roof tiles or gaps in tiles, gaps between roofing and gutters and many other ways. Birds nesting on window ledges or on attached items such as air conditioning units and the like can also lead to a problem with bird mites.
When the young birds have left the nest or if they die, these mites need an alternate food source to survive. They leave the nest area in large numbers; often thousands will be living on in single nest and go in search of food throughout the building. They cannot survive on humans but will bite humans that they encounter. Their bite is irritating and causes a lot of discomfort to the occupier of the property.
How to prevent birds nesting at your property
- Proofing – Prevent birds from nesting within the roof cavity by sealing all access points. A pest controller is highly recommended to assess possible entry points. Once assessed proofing can be carried out. There are many proofing options available in the industry depending on the situation. From time to time a roofer may be required to repair broken tiles and the like.
- Removal of the nest – If accessible removing the nest is essential. Removing the nest removes their natural habitat. Just removing the nest alone may not be enough.
- Treatment – Removal of the nest should always be followed with a treatment to the affected area. If treatment is not applied the mites will take a lot longer to die. Without a bird host they will die in up to 3 weeks so treatment is highly recommended.
Still concerned?
If you need bird removal, contact your local experts Amalgamated Pest Control Taree for further advice.
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