How to get rid of chicken fleas in a poultry house using home methods? - briefly
Thoroughly clean the coop, replace all bedding with diatomaceous earth or wood ash, and apply regular dustings of a natural insecticide such as neem oil or a pyrethrin spray while sealing cracks to block re‑infestation. Combine this with weekly removal of droppings and a rotation of fresh bedding to interrupt the flea life cycle.
How to get rid of chicken fleas in a poultry house using home methods? - in detail
Eliminating chicken fleas from a poultry house can be achieved with common household resources and systematic management. The process consists of three phases: environment preparation, direct treatment, and preventive maintenance.
First, clear the coop of all removable debris. Sweep or vacuum the floor, remove straw, wood shavings, and feed spillage. Discard any material that shows signs of infestation and replace it with fresh, dry bedding. Thorough cleaning reduces the habitat where adult fleas and larvae develop.
Second, apply a series of home‑based control measures:
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade). Sprinkle a thin layer (approximately ¼ inch) over the entire floor, perches, and nesting boxes. The abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton of fleas, causing dehydration. Reapply after each cleaning cycle or when the layer becomes damp.
- Fine‑salt solution. Mix one tablespoon of non‑iodized salt with one liter of warm water. Spray the mixture onto perches, roosts, and cracks where fleas hide. Salt desiccates larvae and disrupts their development.
- Vinegar rinse. Dilute white vinegar with water (1:1) and wipe down the interior walls and metal fixtures. The acidic environment deters adult fleas from laying eggs.
- Herbal repellents. Place sachets of dried rosemary, mint, or lavender in strategic locations. Volatile oils act as natural repellents, reducing flea activity.
- Steam cleaning. Use a handheld steamer on hard surfaces and metal equipment. Heat above 120 °C kills all life stages on contact.
Third, institute ongoing preventive actions:
- Rotate bedding weekly, ensuring it remains dry.
- Maintain low humidity (below 60 %) by improving ventilation; use fans or open windows during dry weather.
- Inspect birds daily for signs of infestation; remove any fleas found on the plumage with a fine comb.
- Feed a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins to strengthen the birds’ immunity, lowering susceptibility to parasitic stress.
- Schedule monthly applications of diatomaceous earth and herbal sachets to sustain a hostile environment for fleas.
By integrating thorough cleaning, targeted home remedies, and continuous environmental control, a poultry house can be kept free of chicken fleas without resorting to commercial chemicals.