How to kill fleas in a chicken coop? - briefly
Use a poultry‑safe insecticide spray or dust, treating cracks, perches, and litter, then repeat the application after 7‑10 days. Follow with thorough cleaning, fresh bedding, and a regular layer of diatomaceous earth to keep the infestation from returning.
How to kill fleas in a chicken coop? - in detail
Eliminate fleas from a poultry enclosure by combining sanitation, physical barriers, chemical agents, and biological controls.
Begin with thorough cleaning. Remove all bedding, droppings, and debris. Scrape the floor and walls, then wash surfaces with hot water and a mild detergent. Allow the coop to dry completely before adding fresh bedding.
Apply a desiccant such as food‑grade diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle a thin layer (approximately 1 mm) over the floor, nesting boxes, and perch rails. Reapply after each cleaning cycle or when the layer becomes damp.
Introduce an insecticidal dust formulated for poultry. Choose a product containing permethrin, pyrethrin, or carbaryl, following the label’s dosage for a 1,000‑square‑foot area. Dust the entire interior, focusing on cracks, crevices, and underside of roosts. Repeat every 14 days during heavy infestations.
Use a residual spray for hard‑to‑reach areas. Select a veterinary‑approved flea spray, apply to walls, ceilings, and the exterior of the coop. Ensure proper ventilation during application and allow the coat to dry before re‑entering the birds.
Employ biological predators. Release beneficial nematodes (e.g., Steinernema spp.) onto the coop floor. Dilute according to manufacturer instructions and irrigate evenly. Nematodes seek out flea larvae, reducing the population without chemicals.
Implement environmental controls. Maintain low humidity (below 50 %) and temperature (around 70 °F) to discourage flea development. Seal gaps, install fine mesh screens on ventilation openings, and keep the coop elevated off the ground to prevent contact with infested soil.
Rotate bedding weekly and dispose of used material in a sealed bag. Inspect birds daily for signs of flea activity—scratching, visible insects, or scabs—and treat affected individuals with a topical flea medication approved for poultry.
Maintain a regular schedule: clean and replace bedding every 2 weeks, re‑apply diatomaceous earth after each cleaning, dust with insecticide biweekly, and monitor environmental conditions continuously. This integrated approach suppresses flea populations, protects bird health, and minimizes the risk of reinfestation.