How to Treat Bird Lice on Humans

Bird lice infestations are not limited to bird owners.

You do not have to own a pet bird in order to be affected by bird lice. A nest infested with these tiny creatures may be closer than you think. If you find yourself plagued by small, red, itchy spots on your skin, you could be the victim of bird lice. Unlike bird mites, bird lice are species-specific. This means that they will not look for a human to be a suitable host. However, bird lice will bite humans that come in contact with them. If you want to save your skin, there are ways to handle a bird lice infestation.

Things You'll Need

• Magnifying glass
• Pest control expert
• Calamine lotion

Instructions

1. Determine if it is bird lice. It is very important to know exactly what is biting you. If you are dealing with bird mites, and not bird lice, you need to take a different approach to treating the problem. The best way to ensure proper identification is to consult a pest control specialist.

2. Find the source. If you have a pet bird, you may want to take him to a veterinarian. Look for signs of infestation in your pet, such as excessive grooming. Bird lice are extremely small, so you may need a magnifying glass to see them. If you do not have a pet bird, check the garage, patio, porch, attic, and other places where an infested nest may be located. Air conditioners are a spot where nests may be found. Once the infested nests are discovered, they must be disposed of immediately. A pest control specialist will be able to determine which chemicals will best treat the problem.

3. Wash clothing and bedding. If any of these pests get into your home, it is best to wash all clothing and bedding that you come in contact with. Bird lice will typically die within two days of losing a host, but that is plenty of time to find a new one. Washing personal items will help prevent any biting that may occur during treatment.

4. Treat the itching. There is no specific treatment for bird lice in humans, but many over-the-counter creams such as calamine lotion are available to treat itchy skin. If the bites are severe, or a rash develops, see your doctor. He may prescribe a stronger treatment, such as an antihistamine.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a bird infested with bird lice, remember to remove the nesting materials from the cage and replace with new material.

References

• Bird Lice Treatment, What do Bird Lice Look Like in Humans?
• Looking for Information About Lice Treatment? Find it Here

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• LiceTreatment.com