What we deal with
Most bird mite cases in Cape Town come from nests built in roof spaces, under eaves, behind gutters and in air conditioning ducts by feral pigeons, common (Indian) mynas, house sparrows and European starlings. The mites involved are usually the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and the red poultry mite (Dermanyssus gallinae), both of which are barely visible, around the size of a full stop, and pale or greyish until they have fed, when they turn reddish. They cannot complete their life cycle on people, but they will bite while searching for a bird host. On smallholdings in the Boland, the same mites can move from chicken coops into nearby houses. Rat mites from rodent nests in the roof cause very similar symptoms, so we check for rodents at the same time.
Signs to look for
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
Why it matters: Bird mites are not known to transmit disease to people, but the bites are itchy and the crawling sensation can be genuinely distressing and disrupt sleep for weeks. Scratching can lead to skin infections, and people are often misdiagnosed or told the problem is in their head, which adds to the stress. The nests themselves bring other problems, including droppings that damage roofs and gutters, blocked downpipes and other insects such as carpet beetles that feed on old nest material.
How we treat it
The single most important step is finding and removing the nest, because treating the bedroom while the source remains in the roof only gives temporary relief. Our technician goes into the roof void and around the eaves and gutters, bags and removes nesting material, and treats the nest site and surrounding timbers with a residual spray or insecticidal dust. Inside, we treat the affected rooms with a light residual spray along skirting, window frames, light fittings and around ceiling penetrations where the mites come through. We then recommend or carry out bird proofing, such as closing gaps with mesh or fitting spikes or netting, so new birds cannot move into the same spot. Because a few mites may emerge in the days after, we check back if symptoms continue.
- Find the nest
We inspect the roof void, eaves, gutters and air conditioning units for active or abandoned bird nests.
- Rule out rodents
Rat and mouse nests cause similar bites, so we check for rodent activity at the same time.
- Remove nest material
Nests and debris are bagged and taken away rather than left in the roof.
- Treat source and rooms
The nest site, nearby timbers and affected rooms are treated with residual products.
- Bird proofing
Gaps are closed or protected with mesh, spikes or netting so birds cannot nest there again.
- Report and follow-up
You receive a report with photos where possible, and we follow up if symptoms persist.
Things most people don't know
Many people believe bird mites will infest them permanently. They cannot breed on humans and die off within weeks without a bird host, which is reassuring, but they will keep biting until the source is removed.
The first thing a technician checks is the roofline from outside. Droppings on the walls, feathers in the gutters and birds going in and out of a gap tell us where to look inside.
Removing birds but leaving their nest behind is one of the most common mistakes. The empty nest is precisely what sends the mites looking for a new host, often you.
When it peaks in Cape Town
In Cape Town, pigeons can breed almost all year, but mynas, sparrows and starlings nest most heavily from late winter through spring and early summer. Bird mite complaints usually peak a few weeks after the chicks leave the nest, which tends to be in spring and early summer. Warm weather also speeds up the mites' activity, so problems are most noticeable in the hotter months.
DIY or call a professional?
Spraying the bedroom yourself might bring some relief, but it will not fix anything while the nest stays in the roof. Getting into roof voids and handling nests full of droppings and mites is not pleasant or particularly safe without the right protection. Our opinion is that this is one problem worth handing over, because the fix is mainly about finding and removing the source.
What affects the price
The price depends mainly on how many nests there are, how easy the roof void and eaves are to get into, and how many rooms need treating inside. Bird proofing work such as mesh or spikes is quoted separately depending on the length of roofline and the materials needed. We give a free quote after inspection, and photos of the roofline sent via WhatsApp help us prepare.
Preventing it coming back
- Watch your roofline in spring; if you see pigeons or mynas going in and out of a gap, have it dealt with before they lay eggs.
- Fit mesh or plastic closures under the first row of roof tiles and over gaps in fascia boards.
- Keep gutters clean so birds are not encouraged to build nests in them.
- Do not feed pigeons near the house, as a reliable food supply keeps them nesting on your roof.
- Check air conditioning units, satellite dishes and solar panels, which create sheltered ledges birds love.
- Keep chicken coops well away from the house and treat them for mites regularly if you keep poultry.
Frequently asked questions
Can bird mites live on me?
No, they cannot complete their life cycle on people and will die off within a few weeks without a bird host. They will keep biting while they search, which is why removing the nest is so important.
How do I know it is bird mites and not bed bugs?
Bird mites are tiny and fast and are often seen near windows and ceilings, while bed bugs are larger and hide in beds. Recent bird activity on the roof is a strong clue, and we can check both.
Do I need to remove the nest if the birds have already gone?
Yes. An empty nest is exactly when the mites go looking for new hosts, and the old nest also feeds other insects.
Is it safe to stay in the house?
Yes, you can stay. We will ask you to keep out of treated rooms until surfaces are dry, usually for a few hours.
Will you stop the birds coming back?
We can close gaps and fit mesh, spikes or netting depending on the building. Without proofing, new birds will often use the same spot next season.
Should I see a doctor about the bites?
If the bites become infected or you have a strong reaction, yes. Tell the doctor about the bird nest, as this helps them rule out other causes.
Bird Mite Control by area
We cover all of these suburbs from our base in Brackenfell. Pick yours for local advice.
