How can I kill chicken fleas in a coop? - briefly
Apply food‑grade diatomaceous earth to all surfaces and replace bedding weekly; for heavy infestations, use a registered poultry‑safe insecticide spray according to label directions. Ensure thorough cleaning of perches, nests, and cracks after treatment.
How can I kill chicken fleas in a coop? - in detail
Flea infestations in a poultry enclosure cause irritation, anemia, and reduced egg production. Effective eradication requires a combination of sanitation, targeted treatments, and ongoing prevention.
First, remove all organic debris. Sweep litter, drop bedding, and manure from the floor. Dispose of contaminated material in sealed bags and replace with fresh, absorbent bedding such as pine shavings. Clean walls, perches, and nesting boxes with hot water (minimum 60 °C) and a detergent that does not leave residues. Rinse thoroughly and allow surfaces to dry completely.
Second, apply an appropriate insecticide. Options include:
- Pyrethrin‑based sprays, applied to all surfaces where fleas hide. Follow label dosage; repeat after 7 days to interrupt the life cycle.
- Insect growth regulators (IGRs) such as methoprene, mixed into the litter at the recommended concentration. IGRs prevent larvae from maturing, reducing the population over several weeks.
- Diatomaceous earth, food‑grade, spread thinly over the floor and perches. The abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton of adult fleas and their larvae.
Third, incorporate natural controls. Dilute essential oil blends (e.g., eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender) in water at a 1 % concentration and mist the coop daily. Add a few drops of neem oil to the litter, distributing evenly. Both methods repel adult fleas and deter egg laying.
Fourth, treat the birds. Bathe chickens in a mild soap solution (e.g., diluted dish‑soap) for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Apply a spot‑on product containing pyrethrins to the base of the neck, avoiding the eyes and beak. Repeat treatment after 10 days to target newly emerged fleas.
Finally, establish preventive measures. Rotate litter weekly, maintaining a depth of no more than 2 inches to limit moisture. Install a drip‑free roof to keep the coop dry. Use fine mesh screens on ventilation openings to block entry of adult fleas. Conduct monthly inspections, looking for signs of flea activity (dark specks in the litter, scratching behavior) and intervene promptly.
Consistent application of these steps eliminates existing fleas and prevents re‑infestation, ensuring a healthy environment for the flock.