Pigeon fleas

It's no surprise that pigeons sometimes decide to settle nearby. These feathered creatures often choose nesting sites in chimneys, under roofs and sometimes even on balconies.

Although there is a popular belief that the appearance of pigeons in your home indicates its comfort and love, it is worth remembering that pigeons can carry insects that feed on blood.

What does a flea look like

When identifying fleas, it is recommended to carefully examine the signs to determine possible risks.

The following characteristics can help to identify this type of ectoparasite:

1. Size: The insect's body has a length of no more than 1 mm and a diameter of up to 3 mm.
2. Coloring: It is characterized by a black-gray color, which gradually acquires a reddish-brown hue when blood is consumed.
3. Oral apparatus: Fleas have a special pump that allows them to feed on the blood of domestic and wild animals, as well as humans.

The development cycle of a flea differs little from other representatives of its species and includes four stages:

1. Egg.
2. Larva.
3. Nymph.
4. Young or adult.

If you find a nest inside or outside your home, remember that infested birds can harbor parasites. Fleas can bite not only animals, but also humans.

Other types of pigeon parasites

It is important to know what parasites may be present in your environment. Among them there are several types:

1. Red bird mite: These hematophages have a yellow-brown body measuring 0,7 mm. They live for several months, preferring to hide in the cracks of dovecotes during the daytime. After saturation with blood they acquire a reddish color.
2. Down eaters: Ectoparasites that feed on the feathers of pigeons, causing the skin of their hosts to peel off. Special treatment is required to cure the birds.
3. Pigeon bugs: Able to live up to six months without food, they suck blood for several days and lay many eggs. Their larvae can harm chicks and infect pigeons with pigeon pox.
4. Worms: About 7 mm long, they live in the intestines of birds. Infection occurs through food and water, which can cause lethargy, decreased appetite and even death, especially in young offspring.
5. Scabies mite: It causes constant itching by feeding on the skin and can infect birds and humans.
6. Pigeon mite: They have a body diameter of up to 4 mm, increasing 3 times after saturation with blood. Can significantly reduce the survival rate of pigeons.
7. Blood-sucking flies: Known as bloodsuckers, they can cause the devastation of a pigeon's nest due to the pain and itching caused by the bites.

Bird fleas and other parasites can multiply rapidly, posing a risk to people and pets.

Do pests carry diseases dangerous to humans?

Fleas can pose a serious health threat as many of them transmit dangerous diseases. Possible diseases that can be transmitted through flea bites include:

1. Encephalitis;
2. Hepatitis;
3. Plague;
4. Tularemia;
5. Typhus;
6. Brucellosis.

A clean home does not guarantee complete safety, so professional disinfestation using special products is important.

Fleas on pigeons: how to identify

So, what signs may indicate problems in your pet birds:

1. Scratches, wounds and bleeding from the cloaca and beak. Birds can injure themselves due to a reaction to bites or due to independent attempts to get rid of parasites, which can manifest themselves as characteristic holes and ulcers.
2. Fractures and bruises. These injuries most often occur at a stage when the pain becomes unbearable.

Pigeon fleas:

• Blurred eyes and watery eyes.
• Curvature of bones, presence of lumps and tumors.

• Cough, wheezing and other symptoms of breathing problems.
• Check for exhaustion. If you can easily grab the keel, this may indicate that the bird has exhausted its resources.
• General appearance of the bird and droppings. Consulting experienced pigeon owners on forums can be helpful.
• Appetite. A lack of desire or ability to eat or drink may indicate a worsening condition.
• Discharge from the nostrils.
• Unusual behavior. If the bird behaves differently than usual - pacing back and forth, shaking, or even falling - this may indicate illness.

It is important to be careful and thorough when examining poultry, as pigeons may become agitated due to constant itching.

How to treat birds

A wise step would be to seek advice from a veterinarian or a specialist at a pet store.

We also suggest considering the following medications:

1. Piren-D.
2. Frontline.
3. Ivamek.

When handling birds, it is recommended to use personal protective equipment such as gloves and outer clothing. It is also ideal to cover your hair.

When you are ready, you can begin the processing process. It is important to remember that the drug should not get into the eyes or areas that the bird can reach with its beak. Improper use can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane and even poisoning.

However, the fastest and most effective solution is to contact a pest control professional.

Pest extermination

If lice are found in your home, it is important to begin eliminating them quickly. First you need to identify the source. Exterior areas of the home that provide convenient nesting areas for pigeons can be especially attractive. It is recommended to remove the new nest immediately.

Places for wet cleaning and disinsection in residential premises include:

• Window sills and windows;
• Bed base;
• Shelves;
• Whole floor;
• Walls reaching a height of 1,5 m.

If bites only occur in a certain room, this may be a characteristic of this type of ectoparasite that prefers specific places. It will be easier to get rid of insects that pose a potential danger to pets and people.

After disinfection, it is recommended to leave the house for about 60 minutes. For more vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women, it is recommended to increase this period to 6 hours. It is best to move pets to another place for 6-12 hours.

Folk remedies

Among the effective methods of controlling fleas are the following:

1. Herbs: The aroma of a number of herbs repels adults, but they do not affect eggs.
2. Freezing or high temperatures: Warming up groceries in the oven or freezing items for a while can be an effective method.
3. Wood shavings: Insects do not like the smell of wood, so scattering wood shavings in areas where fleas accumulate can help.
4. Garlic: A garlic solution sprayed throughout the apartment can be effective. However, this method is not as effective for flea offspring.
5. Soda: A solution made from soda, salt and ammonia can be used to treat surfaces. It is important to avoid prolonged inhalation of the solution.

If you are allergic to chemicals, you can start with traditional methods. If unsuccessful, you can use more standard chemicals such as dichlorvos.

F.A.Q.

What do pigeon fleas look like?

Pigeon fleas occupy a leading position among other ectoparasites due to their distribution. The peculiarities of their body provide them with the ability to easily jump from one place to another in search of a new owner. They are able to cover a distance of 30 cm in one jump and navigate not by vision, but by heat.

These insects have jaws that can bite through skin, and their mouthparts are designed to suck blood. Their body length reaches 3 mm, and the color ranges from black-gray to reddish-brown, depending on saturation.

What can you get infected from a pigeon?

Even something as harmless as feeding hungry birds can pose a danger. Scientists have identified more than 90 infections that can be acquired from pigeons, of which 10 can be transmitted to humans. Common infections include bird flu, salmonellosis, psittacosis and encephalitis.

The infection can be transmitted through the paws, where traces of droppings and saliva remain. Transmission can even occur through airborne droplets by inhaling particles from the bird. It is recommended to maintain a distance of at least 1,5 meters.

Where will the pigeon louse bite us?

Pigeon lice can bite you anywhere on the body, which makes them different from some of their relatives, for example, fleas, which prefer to start from the ankles. These insects do not depend on the time of day, and, being insatiable, do not stop until they satisfy their thirst for blood.