How to get rid of soft ticks in a chicken coop? - briefly
Remove all bedding, scrub surfaces with a detergent solution, and apply food‑grade diatomaceous earth to dry areas; treat the flock with a veterinarian‑approved acaricide and replace litter regularly to prevent re‑infestation. Maintain a vegetation‑free perimeter around the coop and inspect birds weekly for attached ticks.
How to get rid of soft ticks in a chicken coop? - in detail
Soft ticks (Ornithodoros spp.) thrive in dark, humid corners of a poultry enclosure, where they can bite chickens and transmit disease. Effective control requires a combination of sanitation, environmental modification, and targeted treatment.
First, remove all organic debris. Sweep and vacuum the floor, then discard straw, wood shavings, and any nesting material that has become damp. Replace the bedding with fresh, dry litter and spread it to a depth of at least three inches; this reduces the micro‑habitat that supports tick development.
Second, adjust the coop’s microclimate. Install ventilation fans or open windows to lower relative humidity below 60 %. Use a dehumidifier in enclosed structures during wet seasons. Direct sunlight into the interior whenever possible, as temperatures above 30 °C are lethal to soft ticks.
Third, apply an acaricide approved for use with poultry. Follow the label instructions precisely: spray the cracks, crevices, and the underside of perches with a permethrin‑based product, allowing a contact time of 12–24 hours before re‑introducing birds. For organic alternatives, consider diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) sprinkled liberally on the floor; it acts as a mechanical desiccant, killing ticks on contact.
Fourth, treat the birds themselves. Inspect each chicken daily, focusing on the vent area, legs, and underwings. If ticks are found, remove them with tweezers and apply a topical acaricide such as a pyrethrin formulation. Repeat the inspection for three consecutive weeks to catch any emerging infestations.
Fifth, establish a regular maintenance schedule. Every two weeks, repeat the cleaning, litter replacement, and acaricide application cycle. Conduct a thorough inspection of the coop’s structure, sealing cracks and gaps that could harbor hidden colonies.
Finally, monitor for reinfestation. Keep a log of tick sightings, treatment dates, and environmental readings (temperature, humidity). Adjust ventilation or treatment frequency based on trends in the data.
By integrating thorough sanitation, humidity control, chemical or mechanical tick‑killing agents, and consistent monitoring, a poultry keeper can eradicate soft ticks and prevent their return.