What can be used to repel bird lice? - briefly
Lavender, neem, and eucalyptus essential oils, diluted and sprayed on feathers and cages, repel avian lice. Regular cleaning of perches and application of «diatomaceous earth» further reduce infestations.
What can be used to repel bird lice? - in detail
Effective control of avian ectoparasites requires a combination of chemical, physical and management strategies.
Topical insecticides approved for avian use provide rapid knock‑down of lice. Permethrin‑based sprays, applied directly to feathers and skin, remain active for several weeks. Carbaryl dusts can be dusted onto nesting material, offering residual protection. Both products must be administered according to label directions to avoid toxicity.
Systemic medications deliver protection from within the host. Ivermectin, given orally at a dose of 0.2 mg kg⁻¹, eliminates developing stages and reduces re‑infestation risk. Selamectin, applied as a spot‑on solution, offers a similar effect with a convenient single‑application protocol.
Environmental measures reduce habitat suitability for lice. Regular cleaning of cages, perches and nesting boxes eliminates debris where eggs are deposited. Heat treatment of bedding—exposing material to 55 °C for at least 30 minutes—destroys all life stages. UV‑C lamps positioned near perches can disrupt egg viability without harming birds when used at appropriate intensity.
Natural repellents supplement conventional treatments. Essential oil blends containing eucalyptus, tea tree and neem, diluted to 0.5 % in a carrier oil, create a volatile environment that deters adult lice. Spraying a solution of diluted apple cider vinegar (5 % acetic acid) on feathers lowers pH, making the surface less attractive to parasites.
Biological control agents provide a non‑chemical option. Entomopathogenic nematodes (e.g., Steinernema carpocapsae) introduced into nesting material infect and kill lice larvae.
Integrated pest management combines these tactics: apply a short‑acting insecticide, follow with a systemic drug, maintain rigorous sanitation, and incorporate natural deterrents. Monitoring through periodic feather examinations ensures early detection and timely intervention.