How to get rid of fleas from chickens at home using folk remedies? - briefly
Apply food‑grade diatomaceous earth to the coop floor and dust the birds, then mist a 1 part apple‑cider‑vinegar to 4 parts water solution on their plumage to suffocate the parasites. Follow with weekly baths using garlic‑infused water or a herbal powder blend (rosemary, thyme, etc.) and keep bedding clean to stop re‑infestation.
How to get rid of fleas from chickens at home using folk remedies? - in detail
Eliminating fleas from backyard chickens can be accomplished with several time‑tested, low‑cost methods that avoid chemicals. The first step is to break the flea life cycle by targeting eggs, larvae, and adult insects simultaneously.
Begin with a thorough cleaning of the coop. Remove all bedding, dispose of it in a sealed bag, and replace with fresh, dry material such as straw or pine shavings. Scrub perches, nest boxes, and walls with hot, soapy water, then rinse and dry completely. Sunlight and low humidity deter flea development.
Apply diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) liberally on the floor, in nesting areas, and on the outer surfaces of perches. The fine silica particles abrade the exoskeleton of fleas, causing dehydration. Reapply after each cleaning or when moisture accumulates.
Introduce natural repellents. A solution of diluted apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) can be sprayed lightly on the coop interior; the acidic environment discourages flea survival. Add a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender essential oil to the mixture for added repellent effect, ensuring the concentration does not exceed 0.5 % to avoid irritation to the birds.
Treat the birds directly. Prepare a mild neem oil rinse (1 ml neem oil per liter of warm water) and gently mist the feathers, avoiding the eyes and nostrils. Neem interferes with flea feeding and reproduction. Repeat the treatment every three days for two weeks.
Employ biological control. Sprinkle a thin layer of beneficial nematodes (e.g., Steinernema feltiae) onto the coop floor and surrounding yard. These microscopic worms seek out and kill flea larvae, reducing the population without harming chickens.
Maintain environmental hygiene. Trim grass and weeds around the coop to eliminate shaded, moist refuges where fleas thrive. Keep the area dry by improving ventilation and fixing any leaks. Regularly inspect the birds for signs of infestation—scratching, restlessness, or visible fleas—and address any resurgence promptly.
By combining deep cleaning, inorganic powders, botanical rinses, essential‑oil sprays, and biological agents, a farmer can effectively eradicate fleas from poultry without resorting to commercial insecticides. Consistent application of these practices sustains a flea‑free environment and supports the health of the flock.