How should I treat a room to get rid of ticks that affect chickens? - briefly
Thoroughly clean the area, discard contaminated litter, and apply a poultry‑safe acaricide to all surfaces, then seal cracks, replace bedding, and keep humidity low. Repeat the treatment after two weeks and regularly inspect the flock for any signs of re‑infestation.
How should I treat a room to get rid of ticks that affect chickens? - in detail
Thoroughly cleaning the enclosure is the first step in eliminating a tick infestation that threatens poultry. Remove all bedding, manure, and debris; discard them in a sealed container. Wash the floor, walls, and any removable equipment with hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry completely.
Vacuum every surface with a high‑efficiency filter. Empty the vacuum bag or canister into a sealed bag and dispose of it outside the farm premises. This removes adult ticks, nymphs, and eggs that hide in cracks and crevices.
Apply a residual acaricide approved for use around birds. Follow the product label for dilution, coverage, and safety intervals. Use a sprayer to coat all non‑porous surfaces, focusing on corners, perches, and nesting boxes. Allow the treated area to dry before reintroducing chickens.
Introduce a desiccant such as food‑grade diatomaceous earth or powdered silica. Spread a thin layer on the floor and in hard‑to‑reach spots; the fine particles abrade the exoskeleton of ticks, causing dehydration. Reapply after cleaning or when the layer becomes damp.
Heat treatment can be effective for removable items. Place feeders, water containers, and equipment in a forced‑air oven or expose them to direct sunlight for at least 30 minutes at temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F). This kills all life stages of the parasite.
Seal gaps, cracks, and openings in walls, doors, and ventilation ducts. Use caulk, weather‑stripping, or metal flashing to prevent re‑entry of ticks from the surrounding environment.
Implement a regular monitoring program. Inspect birds daily for attached ticks, especially around the vent area and under wings. Set up sticky traps or white‑paper boards in corners to detect lingering activity.
Maintain strict biosecurity: limit access to the treated area, require footbaths, and change clothing before entering the poultry space. Rotate bedding weekly, and keep the environment dry, as humidity favors tick development.
By combining mechanical removal, chemical control, desiccant application, heat treatment, structural sealing, and ongoing surveillance, the room can be rendered free of ticks that endanger chickens.