Jonathan Landau-Litewski says the avian parasites have been crawling from a nest outside the window of his council flat on Royston Mains Road and into his home.
Jonathan’s home is infested with bird mites(Image: Edinburgh Live)
An Edinburgh man has told of his horror after his bed was overrun with bird mites that laid eggs under his skin.
Jonathan Landau-Litewski says the avian parasites have been crawling from a nest outside the window of his council flat on Royston Mains Road and into his home.
The horrified 37-year-old says the mites have infested his bed, forcing him to “boil” his sheets. Following a visit to the GP, he was told they have also now infested his own body.
Jonathan told Edinburgh Live: “My arms started to get really sore. I got a huge rash. The mites have burrowed into my skin and laid eggs. I’m on this cream called permethrin which is for scabies and lice, it’s disgusting.”
Jonathan has an infection from the mites(Image: Edinburgh Live)
Jonathan shared images of his arm which appeared to be enflamed by a rash. He reported discomfort and lack of sleep.
When bird mites cannot feed on birds, they search for new hosts – which can lead them into homes and other buildings, according to the University of Minnesota.
The British Pest Control Association says the creatures can multiply into the thousands, leaving victims with a parasitic infection with symptoms like a “biting, itching, and crawling sensation”.
It can also cause lack of sleep and can even “propagate a whole host of secondary mental health issues”, says the BPCA.
Their website adds: “If you have dealt with a parasite infestation for any length of time, you’ll soon come to realise that the mental anguish is often more difficult than the solid torment. Once a home is heavily infested, they can be very difficult to eradicate fully.”
Jonathan says the mites have infested his room(Image: Edinburgh Live)
Jonathan has been self-isolating to prevent the mites spreading to his flatmate.
He continued: “I can’t socialise with anyone. I have to use the cream for 24 hours and wash it off. It’s a three-week treatment and I have to stay in my house for three weeks because the mites are contagious.
“I can’t believe in this day and age in my own house and bed where I’m supposed to be safe I’m being attacked by these vile little things.”
Jonathan reported the matter to the Edinburgh Council and is calling for his windows to be replaced, claiming they are “old” and allowed the mites to enter his home.
The council’s housing team has made them aware of the issue and they urged Jonathan to contact Pest Control to rectify issues.