How to fight the red chicken mite? - briefly
Apply diatomaceous earth to the coop and nesting areas and treat the flock with a veterinarian‑approved acaricide, then keep the environment clean by removing droppings and replacing bedding weekly.
How to fight the red chicken mite? - in detail
Red chicken mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are blood‑feeding ectoparasites that infest poultry housing. Adult mites are about 0.5 mm long, reddish, and become active at night, feeding on the bird’s skin and causing irritation, anemia, and reduced egg production. Recognizing the problem early prevents severe infestations.
Effective control begins with a thorough inspection. Look for tiny specks of blood on perches, walls, and equipment; examine the bird’s skin for reddened areas or crusted lesions. Use a flashlight to spot active mites on the bird’s vent or under the wings during the dark phase. Record the locations where mites are most abundant to target treatment.
Sanitation disrupts the mite’s life cycle. Remove all organic debris, replace bedding with clean material, and clean perches, nest boxes, and walls with hot water (≥ 60 °C) or a 1 % bleach solution. Dry the coop completely before reintroducing birds, as mites cannot survive prolonged desiccation. Seal cracks and crevices where mites hide, and install smooth, non‑porous surfaces to reduce harborages.
Chemical options include licensed acaricides such as pyrethroids, organophosphates, or carbamates. Apply according to the product label, ensuring coverage of all surfaces where mites reside. Rotate active ingredients every 4–6 weeks to prevent resistance. After treatment, ventilate the coop for at least 24 hours before allowing birds back inside.
Biological and non‑chemical measures provide additional protection. Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Androlaelaps casalis) that feed on red chicken mites; release rates of 1 000 predators per square meter are typical. Use diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) on perches and litter at a depth of 1 cm; the abrasive particles damage mite exoskeletons. Apply essential‑oil sprays (e.g., clove, rosemary) diluted to 2 % concentration, reapplying every 3–5 days during peak activity.
Preventive practices maintain low mite populations. Rotate fresh bedding weekly, avoid overcrowding, and keep the coop dry. Install perch designs that allow easy cleaning and limit crevices. Monitor regularly with sticky traps placed near perches; count trapped mites weekly to assess control efficacy. Adjust treatment frequency based on trap counts, increasing interventions when numbers exceed 10 mites per trap.
Integrated management—combining sanitation, chemical or biological agents, and routine monitoring—provides the most reliable solution. Consistent application of these steps eliminates red chicken mites, safeguards bird health, and preserves productivity.