Difference in mites

[palmetto941]

I am hoping that someone can help me learn the difference in mites. I know that there's mites that get into plants, mites in cat ears and a few that get on birds. Are any of them the same? What is the difference in treating birds as compared to cats? Does the environment get treated? And plant mites, do they get on critters? How does one determine if or what kind of mites a bird may have? Can the differences be seen or is it where they're located on the critter? I'm clueless on this one.....

 

[MonicaMc]

There's red mites, feather mites, burrowing mites... at least most common in birds.

Red mites often infection nest boxes and if you place a white sheet around the cage at night and check it in the morning, the red mites may be view-able on the sheet.

Feather mites live between the feather barbs and eat away at the feathers. You may, or may not be able to see them. They eat away at the feathers. Feathers will have holes in them - for lack of a better explanation.

Then there are the burrowing mites. They loves bare areas, particularly around the mouth, eyes, feet and legs. They burrow underneath the skin and cause a crusty like appearance on birds. These ones are usually so small that you can't see them, but you can see the damage that they cause. Generally speaking, mostly small birds (finches, canaries, budgies...) are effected by them, but it's not unheard of for these mites to also go after larger parrots (i.e. macaws).



There are other mites and lice that may effect birds, but those three are the most common within captivity.

 

[GaryBV]

Hi Monica, do you know if there is something you can do to prevent mites? I know I've seen something sold at the pet store but I don't like to put anything in any of my animal's environment that is a pesticide. I'm fairly certain my birds don't have any mites as they seem in perfect health and feather, but I also believe in 'better safe than sorry.' Does anybody here take preventive measures or is it something you handle as it comes up as a problem?

 

[MonicaMc]

I don't know of any preventative measures, considering how insects may travel.... although I do believe that birds that live out doors are more likely to get mites than birds who live indoors for the simple reason of wild birds being carriers of mites.

 

[JerseyWendy]

There are some 30,000 different types of mites.

Here are some helpful links:
Mites - Vector ID Information - District Services - Vector Control Services - Alameda County

https://identify.us.com/idmybug/mites/mite-links.html

Mite: pictures, information, classification and more

Bird Mites | Iowa Insect Information Notes