What to use to destroy chicken lice in a poultry house? - briefly
«Pyrethrin‑based sprays, carbaryl or spinosad dusts, applied according to label directions, constitute the primary chemical controls for poultry lice». Complementary measures include thorough cleaning, litter replacement, and regular monitoring to prevent reinfestation.
What to use to destroy chicken lice in a poultry house? - in detail
Effective control of chicken lice in a poultry facility requires a combination of chemical, physical, and management strategies. Each approach targets the parasite while minimizing risks to birds, eggs, and personnel.
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Synthetic insecticides – Products containing pyrethrin, permethrin, or carbaryl are applied as sprays or dusts directly onto birds and housing surfaces. Recommended dosage follows manufacturer guidelines, typically 0.5 ml kg⁻¹ of body weight for sprays or 1 g m⁻² for dusts. Re‑treatment after 7–10 days addresses newly hatched lice. Withdrawal periods for meat and eggs must be observed.
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Organic‑approved compounds – Spinosad‑based formulations permit use in organic production. Application mirrors synthetic sprays, with a 48‑hour interval before egg collection. Resistance development is slower due to a distinct mode of action.
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Physical agents – Food‑grade diatomaceous earth or silica‑based powders are spread over litter and perch surfaces. The abrasive particles damage the exoskeleton of lice, leading to desiccation. Regular stirring of litter ensures uniform coverage; re‑application every 2 weeks maintains efficacy.
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Botanical extracts – Neem oil (Azadirachta indica) and eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus) diluted to 2 % in water function as topical sprays. Contact time of 15 minutes before removal of excess liquid reduces irritation. Essential‑oil treatments are limited to short‑term use due to potential skin sensitivity.
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Environmental sanitation – Complete removal of soiled bedding, followed by disinfection with a 1 % chlorine solution, eliminates residual eggs. Deep cleaning of drinkers, feeders, and perches removes hidden infestations. Implementing a litter‑turnover schedule of every 4 weeks limits population buildup.
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Monitoring and rotation – Weekly visual inspections of vent feathers and skin folds detect early infestations. Rotating between chemical classes (pyrethroids → spinosad → botanical) each cycle prevents resistance. Record‑keeping of treatment dates, products used, and observed efficacy supports informed decision‑making.
Safety measures include wearing protective gloves and masks during application, ensuring adequate ventilation, and restricting access to treated areas for 24 hours. All products must be approved for use in poultry by relevant regulatory agencies, and label instructions should be followed precisely to protect animal health and product quality.