mites?

[Owlet]

So recently I've been waking up with lots of bug bites and for the life of me I cannot find any bugs anywhere. I've been looking up what it could possibly be and all I am finding are some kind of mites. The bites don't look like mite bites based off Google images but I tend to swell up a lot with bug bites. Now I am the only one in a household of 4 dogs and 6 humans and a parrot experiencing this. I think. I am definitely the only human. Now the problem is Lincoln seems generally okay but he does seem to be scratching the back of his head a lot more and he won't let me get a good look at it but the feathers do seem a bit more sparse. How do I treat mites in a parrot? and me... and a dog. ><

 

[Owlet]

I was reading this article and it's recommends a product containing cedar in it as the primary ingredient, is this safe to use around Lincoln?

http://shop.greenbugallnatural.com/Mites-Treatment-Bundle-MTBUN-1.htm

 

[GaleriaGila]

I, confessed Queen of Paranoia, would avoid it. Some cedars are safe and some aren't.

Ask your local county extension agent for advice on what the bugs might be. I'm questioning the dreaded bed-bugs...

Also, your avian vet would be a great resource for ideas and solutions!

 

[Owlet]

we thought bed bugs too but the bites aren't like bed bugs at all and we've thoroughly cleaned my bed multiple times

 

[SailBoat]

The vast majority of us are rarely effected by mites and biting bugs, and really are at a loss as to what too do!

The first place is to start at Your Avian /Dog Vet so that 'it' can be identified and once identified the correct treatments and actions can be set into place.

Please call tomorrow morning and get this going, you do not need to be wasting any more time, which is not helping only prolonging the suffering.

 

[Owlet]

The only reason I'm hesitant about bringing the animals in is because no one is showing really any signs of mites. Dog isn't itching abnormally and she sleeps in the same room as me every night. There's only that small patch of feathers on Lincoln that has me moderately concerned but it's still just so minor I can't think it's mites on him consider how much I am itching every second. I will still take him into the vet as he needs a check up anyways.

 

[Violet_Diva]

Better to be safe than sorry.
How often does Lincoln bathe? Increased soaking might help soothe itchiness. It's really helped my plucker.

Have you changed any products recently that you might've had a reaction to?

Are you able to post an image of the bites?

With regards to bedbugs...
The only real safe way to kill bedbugs is to expose the room to temperatures between 117 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 F for an hour and a half. So it's not too disruptive to have someone professional come in to do it. Obviously all humans and pets would need to be removed prior! This kills the bugs in all stages of development and is the most effective treatment. An adult bed bug can lay upto 250 eggs in her lifetime. They're great at hiding too, so the temperature gets them wherever they are! Generally, they like the seam of mattresses that goes around the edge. If you are able, try to unfold this to look for evidence. Their poop is made from blood they have sucked, so you'll be looking for almost pin prick dark dots. If you find specs of these dark grains, it's bed bugs.

 

[Owlet]

I have found something if the like but still not sure. we completely deep cleaned my room tonight and put down a spray that is suppose to I'm a variety of bugs (don't worry Lincoln never goes in that room) if the problem insists I will try the heat thing but I'm not entirely sure how I would get my room that hot.

again, definitely gonna take Lincoln to vet still for a general check up and I assume looking for unwanted guests is part of a general check up.

 

[SailBoat]

Wait! You are saying of the 6 humans in the house, you are the only one that is suffering bug bites. And with the exception of 'possible' one place on your Parrot, none of the other animals have any indication of bug bites, correct?

Maybe I'm reading something into this, but it would seem that you are the center of whatever bug is effecting your room /house.

 

[Owlet]

Yes I am the only one experiencing anything and it's driving my crazy. After thoroughly cleaning my room I slept in our family room and got no new bites when I was getting a few per night when sleeping in my room.
Again, Lincoln won't let me get a good look at his skin to check so it's only some scraggly feathers I'm going off of on the back of his head.
As for the dog that sleeps with me every night she has no bites or anything on her skin.

 

[jenphilly]

we thought bed bugs too but the bites aren't like bed bugs at all and we've thoroughly cleaned my bed multiple times[/QUOTE


If you react to bug bites, your bites may not represent what you'll find for bed bugs or fleas. Are all the dogs on flea control program?

Mites that would affect your bird typically would not infest a person, they survive on bird blood, so are likely looking at a different type of mite infestation if it is mites or bed bugs.

Thoughts on bed bugs... we cruise a lot and I'm paranoid about this, so have read way too much, but can share a product that can help without replacing everything... I usually take a spray bottle with me on a cruise and pull off the sheets / bedding, spray down the mattress even if I don't see any signs... even spray our empty luggage before sliding under the bed for storage But again, paranoid behavior!

Cleaning your bed won't get rid of bed bugs... to be sure it's not bed bugs, pick up two mattress type covers that are plastic / vinyl and zip. Find Nix spray for bed bugs and spray down your mattress and box spring (if you use a box spring) all sides, top and bottom, then put the zip cover on it. If there are bed bugs, mites, fleas or any creepy crawlers, this should kill and solve the problems Toss your pillows and buy new. Put all your sheets / comforter thru washer at least twice. Spray down the floor in your bedroom as well and let it dry - presuming your bird is not living in your room. If he is, remove him from the room. The Nix is not directly toxic, but would keep your bird a safe distance just for safety.

If not one else in your home has bites or any issues, I would sit and think of where you go daily - are you around stacks of paper or work somewhere with sand? If it's not in the home, you might be exposed at work or such.

For your bird, if you think there is a chance, I would say straight to the vet, no questions asked, do not try to treat a bird yourself for mites. Birds are so sensitive to chemicals and such, it's not a chance you want to take. But, the vet can do skin swabs and see if there is anything going on.... good time for a full checkup anyway right!?

Good luck!! We have dealt with snake mites and they can be a beast to get rid of, but we've never had bites and both my daughter and I get nasty welt large nasty bites from bugs or spiders.

 

[Owlet]

Thank you for the advise!

 

[jenphilly]

Thank you for the advise!

Good luck and hope you beat your pest!!

 

[Owlet]

I sure hope so too ><