How to get rid of bird ticks in an apartment? - briefly
First, remove any bird nests, vacuum all surfaces, wash fabrics, and apply a licensed acaricide according to the product label. Then, seal cracks, install window screens, and limit bird access to prevent re‑infestation.
How to get rid of bird ticks in an apartment? - in detail
Bird mites can infest living spaces after birds nest in walls, eaves or attics. Prompt eradication prevents bites, allergic reactions and secondary infestations by other insects.
First, confirm the presence of avian mites. Look for tiny, reddish‑brown insects on bedding, furniture and walls, especially near bird entry points. Check for small, red bumps on skin after night‑time exposure. Use a white sheet of paper or sticky trap to collect specimens for identification.
Next, eliminate the source. Seal cracks, gaps and openings that allow birds to enter. Remove any dead birds, nests or droppings from attics, vents and crawl spaces. Dispose of debris in sealed bags and clean the area with a disinfectant solution (e.g., 1 % bleach diluted in water).
Thorough cleaning of the interior follows:
- Wash all bedding, curtains, upholstery covers and pet bedding at the highest temperature the fabric tolerates (≥ 60 °C).
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, mattress seams and furniture crevices repeatedly; empty the vacuum bag into a sealed plastic bag and discard.
- Steam‑clean upholstered furniture and carpets; steam temperatures above 100 °C kill mites and their eggs.
- Mop hard floors with a solution containing a residual insecticide approved for indoor use (e.g., a pyrethroid‑based product) following label directions.
Chemical control may be necessary for persistent infestations. Apply an aerosol or liquid insecticide labeled for indoor use against arachnids, focusing on cracks, baseboards, window frames and behind appliances. Allow the product to dry completely before re‑occupying the space. For sensitive occupants, consider a professional pest‑control service that can use low‑toxicity options such as diatomaceous earth or silica‑aerogel powders, applied in thin layers to voids and hidden areas.
Prevent re‑infestation by maintaining a sealed envelope around the dwelling:
- Install bird‑proof mesh on vents, chimneys and eaves.
- Trim vegetation that contacts the building’s exterior to reduce bird access.
- Conduct periodic inspections of roof and attic for new nests or bird activity.
- Keep humidity low (below 50 %) to discourage mite development; use dehumidifiers if necessary.
Following these steps will remove existing avian mites, eliminate their breeding sites, and establish barriers that keep future invasions from occurring.