Mite diagnosis is often difficult because specimens must be collected and identified by trained specialists before treatment can be made. Their mouthparts are grouped in front of the body, resembling a head. Adult mites have four pairs of legs. The follicle mite is more worm-like. Some mites appear as barely visible red and gray, slow-moving specks, while others are microscopic, requiring optical equipment for identification.
Bites can cause itching and dermatitis.
This mite can survive two to three weeks away from the host. This mite feeds on the host at night and hides in cracks and crevices during the day. It feeds on poultry, sparrows, canaries and other birds. A new generation may occur every 7 to 10 days. Bites cause itching and light dermatitis.