How To Get Rid Of Pigeon Fleas: Control And Treatment

Hey there! Some links on this page are affiliate links which means that, if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I greatly appreciate your support!

If you have pigeons roosting near your home, you may have noticed small black bugs jumping around near them. These are called pigeon fleas, and they can be a nuisance.

While they don’t usually carry disease, they can bite humans and animals, causing irritation and itchiness. If you want to get rid of pigeon fleas, there are a few things you can do.

What are Pigeon fleas?

Pigeon fleas are a type of parasitic insect that feeds on the blood, skin, and keratin of birds. They are commonly found on pigeons but can also infest other types of birds. They can cause serious health problems for their hosts and should be treated immediately if discovered.

The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) is a  rock pigeon. The rock pigeon is the world's oldest domesticated bird. In war the homing ability of pigeons has been put to use by making them messengers. So-called war pigeons have carried many vital messages

These tiny parasites live close to birds- their nests, poultry houses, and other areas where the birds reside. While they are not present in large numbers near the birds, their colonies can grow to thousands if the conditions are favorable.

In addition, pigeon fleas can bite both humans and pets. There are a few ways to control pigeon fleas: using insecticides or using natural methods such as traps. The most effective way to eliminate pigeon fleas is by using a combination of methods.

Pigeon flea identification

The pigeon flea is a small, translucent white insect that lives in colonies. Generally speaking, they are not known to spread any diseases, but they can cause great discomfort for their hosts.

They are reddish-brown and have flattened bodies. They are members of the order Acari and the family Dermanyssidae.

The pigeon flea has four stages in its life cycle – egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. The adult flea is the only stage that can bite humans and animals and suck their blood. The other three stages are smaller and cannot be seen with the human eye without magnification.

They can cause damage to property if not controlled and should be treated as soon as possible.

Where do pigeon fleas live?

Pigeon fleas live near pigeon nesting areas. They can be found on the bird itself and in the surrounding area where the bird’s nest is. This makes them a common problem for people who have pigeons nesting near their homes or businesses.

how to get rid of pigeon fleas

In fact, the pigeon fleas will travel significant distances to reach food if the nest doesn’t provide them with such. Additionally, they have been known to move up to a kilometer away from their nests in search of sustenance.

Pigeon fleas prefer warm and moist environments, which is why they are usually found near pigeon nesting areas.

Moreover, these pesky creatures often burrow into fabric material, cracks, and crevices to lay their eggs. This makes them quite difficult to get rid of without the right treatment.

Can pigeon fleas live on humans or pets?

Pigeon fleas are specific to their pigeon hosts and cannot live on humans or pets. They feed on the blood of their pigeon host and will die if they try to feed on any other animal.

If there are no nests near your house, the bird mite can travel on other animals and eventually make its way into your home. Once inside, they will feed on the blood of people and pets.

Can pigeon fleas survive without birds?

a guy feeding pigeons

Pigeon fleas can live without their bird hosts. They will, however, look for a new host if they are removed from the original environment. This means controlling and treating pigeon flea populations is important to prevent them from spreading.

If the pigeon fleas’ numbers are high, they can reproduce quickly and maintain their colony. If the pigeon population is eliminated, the fleas will look for other hosts, including humans.

Pigeon flea lookalikes

There are a variety of other creatures that can give you the impression that you have a pigeon flea problem. This may cause you to stress more than you should or act rashly. Getting rid of pigeon fleas may require control and treatment of the other creatures.

Let us take a look at some lookalikes of the pigeon flea.

Scabies

Scabies is a type of contagious skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It is characterized by severe itching and can often be misdiagnosed as other skin conditions.

The mite causes a distinctive crawling sensation on your skin and will often create visible, superficial burrows in the skin of their host.

The treatment for scabies, which usually involves a topical cream or lotion, won’t work against avian mites, so that’s a good clue on its own that you may be dealing with pigeon fleas.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and other mammals. They can be easily found in a variety of environments, including homes, hotels, schools, and hospitals. Bed bugs are difficult to get rid of and can cause a number of health problems.

They can also be difficult to identify because they don’t leave any fecal traces and look more like crawling black dots. If you think you might have bed bugs, you need to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny creatures that feed on dead human skin and hair. They are scavengers and can be found in any environment where there is dust.

They are a common cause of asthma and other respiratory problems. There are a number of ways to get rid of dust mites, including controlling the humidity in your home, using air purifiers, and using special covers for your bedding.

Fleas

Fleas are small, red insects that live on animals. They can bite humans no matter the time of day. Fleas can be quite difficult to eliminate and often require a combination of methods to completely eradicate them from an area.

They can bite people at any time of day, but they are especially attracted to the blood of mammals during the night. Fleas jump around while avian mites crawl to reach a location. There are various ways to get rid of fleas, including using pesticides, bombs, or traps.

Lastly, pigeon fleas will bite you in different areas depending on the type of host. Fleas will bite more around the feet and ankles, while mites will not nitpick, resulting in bites on your entire body. It is essential to know the difference so you can treat the infestation properly.

What to do if you have Pigeon fleas?

If you have pigeon fleas, you will need to eliminate them as quickly as possible. This means using a variety of methods to control and treat the infestation. You can use physical barriers, pesticides, and biological controls to get rid of the pigeon’s fleas.

How to get rid of pigeon fleas?

There are a few ways to get rid of pigeon fleas. The most common way is to use pesticides, but this can be harmful to both humans and the environment. There are also some home remedies that can be used, but they are not as effective as pesticides.

Let us take a look at the various methods.

Removing the nest

The first and foremost step is to remove the nest. Once you have removed the pigeon’s nest, it is important to clean up any remaining debris.

You will also want to bird-proof the area so that the pigeons do not rebuild their nest. This can be done by installing a wire mesh over the opening where the nest was located or by installing a physical barrier that will make it difficult for the pigeons to land.

If you choose to do it yourself, be sure to wear protective gear, as pigeons can carry diseases. If you hire a professional, he will also apply a special insecticidal spray on all surfaces where the birds were nesting and the areas where an infestation was spotted.

Moisture control

Pigeon hatching its young ones in a nest on a window

One way to help get rid of pigeon fleas is by controlling the moisture levels in the environment. Pigeon fleas thrive in humid environments, so lowering the humidity levels may help to get rid of them.

There are a number of ways to lower humidity levels, including using a dehumidifier or air conditioner, ventilating rooms properly, and cleaning up any standing water.

Heat treatments

Heat treatments are a common and effective way to get rid of pests. The heat will kill the pests and their eggs. There are a few different ways to do a heat treatment, including using an oven, a microwave, or a steam cleaner.

These treatments work by heating up the environment to a temperature that is lethal to the pests. This method is effective against a variety of pests, including pigeon fleas, mites, and bed bugs.

This can be done by professional exterminators, or if you have some knowledge about how to do it safely, you can do it yourself.

Get rid of other pests.

Pigeon fleas are not just limited to affecting pigeons. They can also affect other animals, including rats and other rodents. These animals can serve as hosts for fleas and can also transmit both rodent and bird mites.

If you are dealing with a pigeon flea infestation, it is important to also get rid of any other pests that may be present. This will help reduce the overall population and make it easier to manage the pigeons.

There are a variety of methods for getting rid of different types of pests, so make sure to research and find the right solution for your specific situation.

Cleaning

How to Get Rid of Pigeon Fleas: Control and Treatment

The pests that cause pigeon fleas can be controlled by meticulous hovering in the infested room. This means cleaning every nook and cranny and removing any potential nesting areas. It is important to also treat all pets in the home for mites, as they can spread to other areas.

Cleaning is an important step in getting rid of pigeon fleas. However, it is only a temporary solution and should be combined with other methods to fully eliminate the pests.

Summary

In conclusion, getting rid of pigeon fleas can be a difficult task. However, with proper control and treatment, it is possible to get rid of these pests. If you have a problem with fleas, be sure to contact a professional to help you get rid of them.

About the author

A biotechnologist by profession and a passionate pest researcher. I have been one of those people who used to run away from cockroaches and rats due to their pesky features, but then we all get that turn in life when we have to face something.