Red Poultry Mite

Facts

• Name: Red Poultry Mite, Dermanyssus gallinae
• Life cycle: Incomplete metamorphosis
  Eggs: Laid in bird nests or on nearby structures; hatch within 1-2 days
  Larva: Six-legged, non-feeding stage lasting less than 24 hours
  Nymph: Two active stages (protonymph and deutonymph), both requiring blood meals; development to adult can occur in under a week under optimal conditions (25-30°C, 70% humidity)
  Adult: Eight-legged, blood-feeding ectoparasites. Lifespan up to 12 months; can survive 7-10 months without feeding in vacant poultry houses
• Description:
  Adults measure approximately 0.7-1 mm in length. Colour ranges from greyish-white to dark red depending on recent feeding. Mites possess long legs and stiletto-shaped mouthparts adapted for piercing skin and extracting blood. All mobile stages except the larva require blood meals for development and reproduction.
• Behaviour:
  Nocturnal feeders, emerging at night to feed for 30-60 minutes before retreating to harbourages. Mites locate hosts using carbon dioxide and heat cues. Females feed multiple times during their lifespan and lay eggs after each blood meal. Known to bite humans and mammals opportunistically.
• Habitat:

  Dermanyssus gallinae is found worldwide, affecting both wild birds and poultry in temperate and subtropical regions. It infests nesting sites, aviaries, and poultry facilities across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. While traditionally associated with outdoor bird nests, it has become a major pest in commercial egg-laying operations and backyard flocks globally. Mites hide in cracks, crevices, perches, and structural voids near roosting birds, emerging at night to feed. Their resilience and ability to survive long periods without feeding make them difficult to eradicate once established.