How to clean a chicken coop of fleas? - briefly
Vacate the coop, discard all litter, scrub every surface with hot, detergent‑filled water, and treat cracks and perches with a poultry‑safe insecticide. After the treatment dries, replace with fresh bedding and return the chickens.
How to clean a chicken coop of fleas? - in detail
Removing a flea infestation from a chicken enclosure requires a systematic approach that eliminates all life stages of the parasite and prevents recurrence.
Begin by isolating the birds. Transfer the flock to a clean, temporary shelter equipped with fresh water and food. This step protects the animals from stress and contamination while the coop is treated.
Next, empty the coop completely. Discard all soiled bedding, roosting material, and any debris that may harbor eggs or larvae. Vacuum the floor, walls, and nesting boxes using a high‑efficiency brush attachment; dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed container.
Thoroughly wash all surfaces with hot water (minimum 140 °F/60 °C) and a detergent that is safe for poultry environments. Scrub wood, metal, and plastic components to remove residual organic matter. Rinse well and allow everything to dry completely; moisture encourages flea development.
Apply a non‑chemical desiccant such as food‑grade diatomaceous earth to all dry surfaces. Spread a thin, even layer (approximately 1 mm) on the floor, perches, and nesting boxes. The abrasive particles damage the exoskeletons of adult fleas and disrupt egg viability.
For persistent infestations, treat the interior with a registered poultry‑safe insecticide. Follow the product label precisely: apply a fine mist to cracks, crevices, and hidden areas, then ventilate the coop for the recommended period before re‑introducing the birds.
Replace bedding with fresh, absorbent material treated with a low‑dose diatomaceous earth mixture (about 5 % by weight). This creates an ongoing barrier against re‑infestation.
Implement a maintenance schedule:
- Daily: remove droppings, replace wet bedding, inspect for live fleas.
- Weekly: sweep and vacuum, reapply diatomaceous earth.
- Monthly: deep clean with hot water, rotate or discard old bedding.
Monitor the flock for signs of flea activity (scratching, visible insects) for at least six weeks, the duration of the flea life cycle. Continue preventative measures until no new fleas are detected.