What should you do if chickens have bedbugs? - briefly
Inspect the coop, discard contaminated bedding, and treat the area with a poultry‑safe insecticide or diatomaceous earth; then isolate affected birds and clean all surfaces thoroughly. Monitor the flock regularly to ensure the infestation does not return.
What should you do if chickens have bedbugs? - in detail
If you discover bed‑bug activity among your chickens, act immediately to prevent spread and protect the birds’ health.
First, isolate the affected coop or run. Move healthy birds to a clean, separate enclosure. Seal the original area to limit insect movement.
Next, conduct a thorough cleaning. Remove all bedding, feed containers, water dishes, and nesting boxes. Wash them with hot, soapy water and rinse well. Replace bedding with fresh, kiln‑dried material. Disinfect surfaces using a solution of 1 % sodium hypochlorite or an EPA‑approved insect‑control disinfectant; allow the surface to remain wet for the recommended contact time.
Inspect every bird individually. Look for live bugs, eggs, or shed skins on feathers, under wings, and around the vent area. Use a fine‑toothed comb to remove any visible insects. Record the number of birds showing signs of infestation for future reference.
Apply an appropriate treatment regimen. Options include:
- Chemical control: Spot‑apply a poultry‑safe pyrethrin or spinosad spray directly to the birds’ feathers, following label directions precisely. Avoid overspray and ensure adequate ventilation.
- Heat treatment: Raise the temperature in the isolated coop to 120 °F (49 °C) for at least 30 minutes; bed bugs cannot survive at this level. Verify temperature uniformity with calibrated probes.
- Biological control: Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Hypoaspis miles) that feed on bed‑bug eggs and nymphs; monitor effectiveness over several weeks.
After treatment, re‑evaluate the flock. Repeat inspections every 48 hours for at least two weeks. If any bird continues to show infestation, retreat using a different mode of control to avoid resistance buildup.
Prevent recurrence by implementing strict biosecurity measures:
- Keep feed and water containers sealed.
- Clean coop weekly and replace litter regularly.
- Limit access for rodents, wild birds, and insects by sealing cracks and installing fine mesh.
- Rotate bedding and disinfect equipment quarterly.
Document all actions, dates, and observations in a logbook. This record supports rapid response to future outbreaks and provides evidence for veterinary consultation if the problem persists.