Where there are birds, there are lice—it’s practically inevitable. At the same time, it’s important to be aware of the signs of bird lice, where they come from, and how they can affect humans. Learn more about how to identify bird lice and when to get professional pest control to help with treatment and prevention.

What is bird lice?

Simply put, bird lice are a type of parasite that attack various poultry and wild bird populations. They are usually 1/8th of an inch or smaller, and their color ranges from tan to brown to creamy white. They feed on the blood of birds and live and lay eggs on the birds themselves or in bird nests. They have a short life cycle of approximately seven days but rapidly reproduce and grow their numbers quickly. There are over 5,000 species of louse in the world, and while similar, they all have slightly different characteristics and habitats. As their name suggests, bird lice mainly stick to birds but can sometimes attach to human hosts in rare circumstances.

Bird lice vs bird mites

Bird mites and bird lice are often referred to interchangeably, but there are a few differences to be aware of. Bird mites are tiny, often the size of a pinhead or smaller. They are also characterized as arachnids with eight legs while bird lice are considered insects.

Where can you find bird lice

Lice that infest pest birds, such as pigeons and sparrows, may find their way into the living spaces of homes. Usually, one or more specimens are discovered on a windowsill, on the floor, or possibly on a desk or table where they have exited the ceiling or wall and have dropped to die. Generally, such cases result from birds nesting in the attic, walls, or on the outside edge of the building roof. Lice typically leave the bird’s nest and wander after the host birds have left. Occasionally, however, bird activity within a commercial building (e.g., a church bell tower) that has been allowed to persist can create an infestation of lice and other bird ectoparasites to the point that some begin to wander in search of new hosts. Bird lice are found throughout the U.S. and other countries. They prefer warmer climates and are most active during the spring and summer months.

How lice affects birds

What does bird lice look like when it has infected a bird? Birds infected with lice may show a few symptoms, including constant scratching, poor or deteriorating feather condition, unthriftiness (malnourished, lack of growth), nervous behavior with increased grooming and preening, and anemia.

Are bird lice dangerous?

As their name suggests, bird lice mainly stick to birds but can sometimes attach to human hosts in rare circumstances. On farms, lice that infect poultry are known to sometimes become a problem in barns, and they can bite humans who work with the birds. They can also infest pets like dogs and cats in extreme circumstances. Bird lice don’t carry diseases that are dangerous to humans, but severe infestations can be fatal for birds and pets if they aren’t treated.

Signs of a bird lice infestation

In addition to the physical symptoms shown by birds that are infected with lice, there are a few signs that you have bird lice inside your home. You may notice tiny red dots moving along the walls, ceiling, and bed or notice unexplained itchy bites. Bird lice won’t last long without a bird host, so if they’re in your home, they’ll eventually die off.

How to manage a bird lice infestation

Lice may be discovered in a building when they have wandered in search of a host. This situation is best handled by an experienced professional. Correct identification by an entomologist of the louse involved is key in determining the source of the lice. To control bird lice, the bird activity inside or on the building must be eliminated or prevented, and all nest materials removed. Areas where nests are located often require treatment to eliminate any wandering lice. Additionally, wall voids and other voids may need to be drilled and treated, depending on the situation. Regardless of the situation, any louse that is found should be examined and identified by an entomologist to determine its type and, thus, its origin.

Need help with bird lice? The experts at Terminix can evaluate your property and recommend bird control and prevention strategies. Get in touch!