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Mite Problem

Lucario223

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Hello!

A while ago while getting my two lovebirds through a vet check-up i was informed there was a mite issue. I got the medication that the vet perscribed (Ivermectin) and for the past few months i have been applying two drops every two weeks. Recently for some reason the mites have been getting more voracious, i have been constantly scrubbing the cage thoroughly, using dish soap, spraying diluted vinegar on perches and toys, even used steam, on top of adding a bit of diatomaceous earth in their food and vacuuming the room every two days where they free-fly ,but they still persist. It's gotten to the point where they've started biting me aswell. I'm not sure what else to do, this is my first time dealing with an infestation and i'm hoping you guys who are more experienced can give me some advice.

Thank you
 

Shezbug

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It's gotten to the point where they've started biting me aswell.
Straight away that tells me it's not mites. Firstly you wouldn't know if you were being bitten. Secondly mites are specialised. Scaly face mites go for the beak and nare. Feather mites go for feathers (I know but it was worth saying it). Both of those are targeting the protein keratin, so if they're on you they'll target the hair or nails. Get yourself some nit shampoo just in case.
Air sac mites live in the moist air sacs and lungs so won't survive long away from those environments.
I think your vet should revisit this.
 

Lucario223

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10/20/20
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Straight away that tells me it's not mites. Firstly you wouldn't know if you were being bitten. Secondly mites are specialised. Scaly face mites go for the beak and nare. Feather mites go for feathers (I know but it was worth saying it). Both of those are targeting the protein keratin, so if they're on you they'll target the hair or nails. Get yourself some nit shampoo just in case.
Air sac mites live in the moist air sacs and lungs so won't survive long away from those environments.
I think your vet should revisit this.
I see, thank you for the information!, i will make sure to discuss it again with the vet. By the way, i have noticed theres a bunch of pigeons wandering about in my apartment building, and i have seen them nest before, could that be the source? Could the mites be dropping down to my balcony, or travel in pigeon droppings?
 
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