How to remove chicken lice from a barn? - briefly
Apply a poultry‑safe insecticide or diatomaceous earth to all surfaces, nesting boxes, and perches, then remove all debris, replace bedding, and wash equipment with hot water. Keep the barn dry, clean, and regularly inspect birds, using preventative treatments to stop reinfestation.
How to remove chicken lice from a barn? - in detail
Eliminating poultry lice from a barn requires a systematic approach that combines sanitation, chemical treatment, and ongoing monitoring.
First, remove all movable items—feed troughs, nesting boxes, perches—and clean them with hot, soapy water. Discard any heavily soiled bedding and replace it with fresh material. Scrub walls, floors, and cracks using a stiff brush and a disinfectant solution containing at least 1 % quaternary ammonium compounds. Rinse thoroughly and allow surfaces to dry completely before reintroducing equipment.
Second, treat the flock. Apply a topical insecticide approved for avian use, such as a pyrethrin‑based spray or a permethrin dust, according to the manufacturer’s dosage instructions. Ensure thorough coverage of each bird’s ventral surface, under the wings, and around the neck. Repeat the application after seven days to break the life cycle, which typically spans 5–10 days from egg to adult.
Third, address the environment. Distribute a fine‑grade diatomaceous earth or silica‑based dust in all crevices, roosting areas, and nesting boxes. These abrasive agents dehydrate lice and their nymphs without harming the birds. For severe infestations, consider a short‑term fogging with a veterinary‑grade aerosol containing carbaryl or bifenthrin; follow safety guidelines to protect both workers and poultry.
Fourth, implement preventive measures. Rotate bedding weekly, maintain low humidity (below 60 %), and conduct weekly visual inspections of birds for signs of infestation—scratching, feather loss, or visible lice. Keep the barn’s exterior sealed to prevent wild birds and rodents from entering, as they can reintroduce parasites.
Finally, record all actions: dates of cleaning, chemicals used, dosages, and observation results. This log enables timely adjustments and demonstrates compliance with biosecurity standards. Consistent application of these steps will suppress lice populations and protect flock health.