Bugged by Bird Mites

By Lea Tyrrell

Before today I don't think I'd ever heard of bird mites.  They're certainly something I'd never think humans would have to worry about, but that is certainly not the case, as we learned today. 

As News 12 Long Island reported, a Levittown woman had to be quarantined at Nassau University Medical Center after she became infested with the blood-sucking parasites.  They came from a bird nest in a bathroom vent of her house.

It sounded so unusual, but apparently it's not.  My research on the subject turned up a website dedicated to the problem - www.birdmites.org.  It has tons on information on what the mites are, how they affect humans, and how to get rid of them.  And getting rid of them is not easy and can be expensive.  But what's also interesting is how anyone can become infested.  You don't need to be in close proximity to a bird nest.  That's one of the biggest risks.  But if you're a fan of second-hand furniture or clothing, you can bring them into your home when you bring in furniture, rugs or clothing that has been infested.  They're so small, most of the time you can't see bird mites without magnification.  Your pets can become infested as well.

The intense itching and skin irritation the mites cause can be torture.  As one person writes on the website, "It is the worst torment a person can endure."  Another victim writes, "I would not wish this hell on my worst enemy."  Some people who have unidentifiable rashes and itching have bird mites and don't know it.

So if this story has peaked your interest about this "little-known but widespread condition," as one research paper calls it, take a look at www.birdmites.org.  It can link you to some other sites on the subject as well.