University:
Washington State University
Course:
ENTOM 101 | Insects and People: A Perspective
Academic year:

2024
Views:

112

Pages:

2
Author:

Adowj7b

Fowl Mites Two species of fowl mites, the Northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Fig. 1), and the chicken mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, may attack humans when the right circumstances prevail. Both mites are also known pests of poultry and wild birds. Household infestations can result when chicken roosts or wild bird nests, such as swallows under the eaves, are in close proximity to the home. The bite of the chicken mite can be particularly painful and irritating. These mites are extremely small (.075 mm) and off-white in color. Untrained diagnosticians may confuse them with scavenger mites (Fig. 2). Invariably, however, when household mite infestations are determined (other than spider mites on houseplants) the pest turns out to be one of these fowl mites. Under good magnification, the differences between these mites are fairly evident (see pictures below). Fowl mites appear more “heavy” bodied (Fig. 3) and their legs are clearly stouter than those of scavenger mites. The latter are quite hairy and bear delicate legs by comparison (Fig. 4). Scavenger mites are not known to bite humans but can cause allergy or itch reactions in large numbers. Fig. 1. Northern fowl mite. author. Fig. 2. Scavenger mite or grain mite. Fig. 3. Drawing of northern fowl mite. Note the stout legs. Fig. 4. Drawing of grain mite. Note the delicate legs.