How to treat a poultry house for feather lice and fleas? - briefly
Remove all litter, wash surfaces with detergent, and dry the coop thoroughly; then dust the interior with a licensed insecticide (e.g., pyrethrin or carbaryl) and apply a safe topical spray to the birds, repeating the treatment after 7‑10 days to break the life cycle.
How to treat a poultry house for feather lice and fleas? - in detail
Effective control of feather lice and fleas in a poultry facility requires an integrated approach that combines chemical treatment, environmental sanitation, and management practices.
First, remove all manure, spilled feed, and debris from the litter. Replace the litter with a clean, dry substrate such as pine shavings or sand. Thorough cleaning eliminates the majority of immature stages that hide in organic matter.
Second, apply an approved insecticide to the entire interior surface, including walls, perches, feeders, and water lines. Products containing pyrethrins, carbaryl, or spinosad are commonly used; follow label directions for dosage, application method, and withdrawal periods. Treat the birds directly with a dust or spray formulated for ectoparasites, ensuring complete coverage of the plumage.
Third, implement a systematic rotation schedule:
- Day 0: Initial whole‑house spray or fogger.
- Day 7: Re‑treatment of birds with a dusting powder.
- Day 14: Second whole‑house application.
- Day 21: Final dusting of birds and litter treatment.
Fourth, introduce non‑chemical controls. Install diatomaceous earth in the litter at a rate of 2–3 lb per 100 sq ft to desiccate insects. Use mechanical traps or sticky boards near perches to monitor population levels.
Fifth, maintain biosecurity to prevent re‑infestation. Restrict access to the house, disinfect footwear and equipment, and quarantine new birds for at least 30 days while treating them prophylactically.
Finally, record all treatments, dates, and observations. Regular monitoring enables timely adjustments and confirms that the parasite load remains below economic thresholds.