The bird louse or bird mite is the colloquial name given to the Macronyssidae mite, a parasite that lives on birds. The insect consumes the bird's blood, feathers and skin. If found in your home, bird lice may bite you and cause itching and skin irritation. Take steps to kill bird lice and prevent bird lice infestations to protect your home from these biting pests.
Instructions
1. Remove any bird's nests in your home, a common source for bird lice infestations. Nests are typically found in a home's eaves or attic. Wear gloves and discard the nests. Seal any openings in your eaves or attic with wire netting or similar material.
2. Manually remove visible lice with a vacuum cleaner or damp paper towel. Deposit the vacuum cleaner waste bag or paper towel into a sealed plastic bag to contain the captured lice. Throw away the bag.
3. Treat your home with an aerosol pyrethrum- or pyrethrins-based insecticde. This option is best for light to moderate lice infestations. Spray the floors, wall crevices and shaded areas such as those behind appliances and furniture. Pyrethrum and pyrehtrins are toxic to bird lice and mites and kill upon contact.
4. Spray a bifenthrin-based insecticide as an alternative to pyrethrum and pyrethrins. This chemical is best for heavy bird-lice infestations as it has a residual effect and continues to kill bird lice and mites for several days after application. Treat your home's ceiling crawl spaces and attic, as well as common living areas.
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