Let’s explore how to get rid Of chicken mites on humans? They are tiny pests that many people rarely think about. So How to get rid of them on humans.
Chicken mites are tiny pests that many people rarely think about. They usually live on the skin of birds such as chickens. However, they can find their way into homes and on humans
They are small and harmless pests making it difficult for one to realize they have been exposed to chicken mites until they notice what seems like small bites.
However, chicken mites can be a nuisance as they can result in itching, pain, and swelling. This is when they become a problem to human beings.
Think you are exposed to chicken mites? Here is what you need to know about the chicken mites and how you can eliminate them on humans.
What are Chicken Mites?
Chicken mites are tiny parasites that live outside the chicken, and they feed off the chicken blood. They are usually light grey before they feed. The moment they have fed and are full of chicken blood, they turn red.
Although chicken mites feed on chicken blood, they can survive without it for up to seven months. As such, they can find their way on humans.
It is vital to note that, although these minute creatures are pests, they are not parasites to humans. For instance, they do not feed on human blood.
Where Do Chicken Mites Come From?
Chicken mites are found in every part of the world. They usually thrive in warm climates, so they are typically active during the early summer and spring.
These chicken mites come from chickens, sparrows, starlings, and pigeons. Besides, they can be found near bird nests.
They typically live and feed on the blood of different birds. For instance, these mites can not complete their life cycle without the bird’s blood. For example, they develop from egg to larva, to nymph, and then to mature adult in a week.
Do Chicken Mites Live On Humans?
Even though chicken mites require the blood of birds for survival and to complete their life cycle, they can also live on humans. However, human blood is not enough for the survival of chicken mites.
Although they do not need human blood for survival, they can bite humans, thus causing irritation and itching, which can sometimes be severe. The symptoms of chicken mite bites are similar to the bites of other mites and insects. For instance, you can develop a crawling sensation or small red bumps on your skin.
How Do You Know You Have Chicken Mites
It is vital to note that any individual who comes in contact with chicken with mites is at a high risk of chicken mite bite. However, some have an even greater risk. This includes humans who closely work with chickens. For example, pest store employees, poultry farmers, and those who live close to a chicken nest.
If the chickens become infected by chicken mites, humans get at a high risk of mite bites.
However, chicken mite bites are usually hard to identify. For instance, you might not feel the mite bite until after it occurs or notices the chicken mite when it bites.
While not knowing what is biting you can be a little unnerving and frustrating, some symptoms can assist you in identifying a chicken mite bite from other insects bites.
The most common symptoms and signs include;
● Red bumps or rash-like marks on your skin.
● Small bumps that can get inflamed or hard.
● Blistered or swollen skin near the bite.
● Itching, irritation, and pain near the bite mark, bump, or rash.
How Do You Treat Chicken Mites Bites?
If you discover that you have visible bites or think that a chicken mite might have bitten you, you will be required to cleanse your skin to eliminate any mites remaining on your body.
This entails scrubbing your skin in the shower with plenty of soap, body wash and shampoo your hair. Besides, you will need to wash your affected beddings and clothes in warm, soapy water. This will help in eradicating the chicken mites and improving the symptoms.
Chicken mites usually cause severe skin itching, but scratching your skin can lead to an infection. Therefore, it is vital to reduce the itching with ice, medication, or other treatments.
If you have itching, you can use a moisturizer or anti-itch creams after bathing to soothe the irritation. You can also use oral antihistamine to reduce inflammation and severe itching. Besides, if you are experiencing painful bites, you can use anesthetic creams.
Furthermore, if you develop a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics can be of great help.
Chicken mite bites resemble the bites of other parasites and insects. However, they can heal themselves without seeing a healthcare provider.
Although, you should consider seeing a healthcare provider if;
● The bites do not improve after a week or two
● The creams do not relieve the itching and pain
● You experience any sign of infection such as swelling, fever, or fluid leaking at the bite area.
Besides, there are cases where one might develop hives, have trouble breathing, or feel dizzy after being bitten by chicken mites. In such a case, you should consider seeking emergency medical attention as this can indicate an allergic reaction.
How Can You Prevent Chicken Mites Infestation on Humans?
To prevent chicken mite infestation, you need to avoid contact with chicken or chicken nests. If you work with chicken, you also need to wear protective clothing to prevent exposing your skin to chicken mites.
You can also call a pest control company to eliminate any chicken nests on or close to your property. You also need to vacuum your carpet most often and ask your vet professional about products they recommend or use to prevent chicken mites.
Treating your own house for chicken mites and insects can also help in some instances. However, it is recommended to ensure that it is the chicken mites that you are using sprays and repellants on.
How to Naturally Treat Chicken Mites
While we have many methods that you can use to prevent chicken mites, you will need to treat your chicken to avoid further spread.
The problem, however, is that most treatment methods use harmful chemicals that are not good for you, your environment, and yourself. As such, we all want ourselves and our chickens to be as healthy and as natural as possible. This is why we suggest the use of natural treatments for chicken mites.
Dust Baths
You should consider making a dust area for your chicken if you do not have one in your area. Your chicken will be naturally using a dust bath, which will assist in preventing chicken bites before they spread out to humans and become a problem.
You can put some food-grade diatomaceous earth or wood into the dust area. They are all-natural and help prevent chicken mites.
Keeping your Chicken Coop Clean
Humans do not get chicken mites because they are dirty. Chicken mites can easily latch on to you from your chicken.
With that in mind, it is vital to keep your chicken coop clean. This is primarily during the warmer months, which chicken mites prefer. Therefore, it is critical to clean out resting areas and beddings for your chicken. This will help naturally prevents chicken mites from thriving.
Chicken Coop Mite Spray
Chicken coop mite sprays are easy to come by but vital to ensure that they use natural ingredients that will not harm you or your chicken. As such, using a coop mite spay as you are doing other chicken mites preventive treatments is a super extra step in fighting chicken mites.
You can make this spray naturally at home by making a mixture of dish soap, oil, and water.
This will help suffocate the chicken mites and prevent them from spreading to humans.
Garlic Juice
Having garlic and garlic juice in your chicken diet can prevent chicken mites. This is because chicken mites do not like the taste of garlic in the chicken blood.
You can also create a mixture of garlic juice, water, and oil such as lavender and then spray it directly onto your chicken and around the chicken coop.
Final Thought
Chicken mites are a nuisance and are irritating, but the good news is that they are not parasites to humans. But still, they can bite you and cause intense irritation.
The ultimate way to eliminate chicken mites on humans is to avoid contact with chicken and chicken nests. If you get into contact, it is recommended to wear protective clothing and wash as soon as you get exposed to chicken mites.
If you suspect a chicken mite infestation in your house, you should immediately contact a licensed pest control professional.
