How to combat chicken mites? - briefly
Apply thorough coop cleaning, dust bedding with a poultry‑safe acaricide (e.g., diatomaceous earth or a pyrethrin‑based spray), and treat each bird with a diluted permethrin or ivermectin solution while maintaining low humidity and regular inspection.
How to combat chicken mites? - in detail
Dealing with poultry mites requires a systematic approach that combines environmental management, chemical control, and regular monitoring. First, clean the coop thoroughly: remove all bedding, discard it, and scrub surfaces with a detergent solution. After drying, replace bedding with fresh, low‑moisture material such as sand or kiln‑dried wood shavings. This eliminates the substrate where mites hide and lay eggs.
Next, treat the birds directly. Apply a veterinary‑approved acaricide spray or dust according to the product label, ensuring full coverage of feathers, especially under the wings and around the vent. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to break the mite life cycle, as many products do not affect eggs. For flocks with a history of resistance, rotate between different classes of acaricides (e.g., pyrethroids, organophosphates, ivermectin) to reduce selection pressure.
Environmental interventions augment chemical measures. Install diatomaceous earth or silica‑based powders in nesting boxes and perches; these desiccate mites upon contact. Seal cracks and gaps in the structure to prevent wild bird ingress, which can reintroduce infestations. Maintain low humidity (below 60 %) and adequate ventilation, as mites thrive in warm, damp conditions.
Routine surveillance keeps infestations under control. Conduct weekly visual inspections, looking for small, dark specks moving on the bird’s skin or in the coop litter. Use a white piece of paper to collect falling debris; a high concentration of specks indicates a problem. Record counts and adjust treatment frequency accordingly.
A summarized protocol:
- Remove and replace all bedding; clean surfaces with detergent.
- Apply a labeled acaricide to birds; repeat after 7–10 days.
- Distribute diatomaceous earth or silica powder in nesting areas.
- Seal structural openings; improve ventilation and lower humidity.
- Perform weekly inspections; document mite densities and modify interventions.
Consistent application of these steps reduces mite populations, improves bird health, and minimizes production losses.