How to remove lice from a chicken coop? - briefly
Thoroughly clean the coop, replace all bedding, and apply a poultry‑safe insecticide spray to the birds and interior surfaces, then repeat the treatment after seven days. Follow up by vacuuming cracks, dusting diatomaceous earth in crevices, and maintaining strict sanitation to prevent recurrence.
How to remove lice from a chicken coop? - in detail
Effective control of poultry ectoparasites requires a systematic approach that combines sanitation, chemical treatment, and ongoing monitoring.
Begin by emptying the coop and removing all bedding, nesting material, and feed debris. Place these items in sealed bags and discard them or wash them in hot water (minimum 60 °C) before reuse.
Thoroughly clean all surfaces with a high‑pressure water spray or a hose, then scrub walls, perches, and roosts with a detergent solution. Rinse and allow the structure to dry completely; moisture encourages parasite survival.
Apply a residual insecticide approved for avian use. Options include permethrin‑based sprays, pyrethrin dust, or spinosad formulations. Follow the product label for concentration, coverage, and safety intervals. Distribute the treatment evenly, paying special attention to cracks, crevices, and the undersides of roosts where lice hide.
Re‑introduce fresh, kiln‑dried bedding such as pine shavings. Add a layer of diatomaceous earth (food‑grade) to the floor; the abrasive particles damage the exoskeletons of remaining insects.
Implement a regular maintenance schedule:
- Weekly removal of droppings and wet bedding.
- Monthly spot‑treatment with a light insecticidal dust.
- Quarterly deep cleaning and re‑application of residual spray.
Inspect birds daily for signs of infestation: excessive scratching, feather loss, or visible insects. If lice persist, consider a short‑term oral or topical medication prescribed by a veterinarian, and repeat environmental treatments after the drug’s efficacy period.
Maintain biosecurity by limiting access to the coop, using footbaths, and ensuring new birds are quarantined and treated before integration. Consistent application of these measures eliminates the parasite population and prevents recurrence.