What can be used to kill chicken lice? - briefly
Pyrethrin or permethrin sprays, dusts, and ivermectin (oral or in drinking water) are effective against chicken lice. Follow label instructions and repeat treatment after the lice life cycle to ensure complete control.
What can be used to kill chicken lice? - in detail
Effective control of chicken lice requires a combination of chemical, biological, and management strategies. Chemical options include synthetic pyrethroids such as permethrin or deltamethrin, applied as a spray or dust at the label‑recommended concentration. Carbaryl dust can be used for short‑term knock‑down, while spinosad provides a lower‑toxicity alternative with residual activity. Organophosphate products, for example malathion, are effective but demand strict adherence to safety protocols because of higher toxicity to humans and other animals.
Biological and natural agents offer lower residue risk. Diatomaceous earth, applied thinly to perches, nests, and litter, desiccates lice through its abrasive particles. Neem oil, diluted to 1 %–2 % in water and sprayed on birds and coop surfaces, interferes with lice development. Essential‑oil blends containing eucalyptus, lavender, or tea‑tree oil can be used as a mist, but concentrations must stay below 0.5 % to avoid irritation.
Management practices reduce reinfestation. Remove and replace all bedding weekly, clean perches with a 10 % bleach solution, and provide a dust‑bath area with fine sand or ash. Inspect the flock daily, isolate any bird showing heavy infestation, and treat the entire coop to prevent survival of eggs. After treatment, repeat the application in 7–10 days to target newly hatched lice, then conduct a final check after another two weeks.
Recommended regimen
- Day 0: Apply a pyrethroid spray at label dosage; dust perches with diatomaceous earth.
- Day 7–10: Re‑apply spray or dust for residual control.
- Day 14: Conduct thorough coop sanitation; replace bedding.
- Ongoing: Maintain dust‑bath area, monitor birds weekly, and retreat if lice reappear.
When using systemic medication, oral ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg body weight can be administered under veterinary guidance, providing internal protection against lice and other ectoparasites. Always observe withdrawal periods before processing birds for consumption.