Tropical fowl mite, Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese)

The tropical fowl mite (Figs. 1a-c) was first described by Berlese (1888) as Leiognathus bursa, Hirst (1916) placed it in Liponyssus bursa and Sambon (1928) placed it in Ornithonyssus bursa. This mite, commonly found on birds, has become a pest to man in areas of high bird populations or where birds are allowed to roost on roofs, around the eaves of homes, and office buildings. Nesting birds are the worst offenders. After the birds abandon their nests, the mites move into the building through windows, doors, and vents and bite the occupants. The bite is irritating to man and some individuals react to the bite with prolonged itching and painful dermatitis. Several to many reports are received each year of mites invading homes. The mites are usually the tropical fowl mite found in the central and southern areas of the state. The northern fowl mite, a close relative, is also found in Florida