Sophie Bennett
Mites can be a stubborn problem for chicken farmers, as they multiply quickly and can survive several treatments. To prevent mites from multiplying, it is recommended to re-treat the chicken coop after 5 to 6 days, before the mites' eggs hatch. There are various products available to treat mites, but it is important to ensure that they are safe for use around chickens. Some products that kill mites are not licensed for use in birds producing eggs or meat for consumption. Pyrethrin or permethrin are recommended by vets, but permethrin is toxic to cats, so cat owners should be cautious. Diatomaceous earth is another option, but it can irritate the eyes and respiratory system of chickens and handlers, and it does not kill mite eggs. Spinosad is an effective treatment that can be found in name-brand products like Elector PSP, and it kills both live mites and eggs. Garlic juice is a natural treatment that can be effective against mild infestations.
Characteristics and Values Table for Safe Chicken Pen Sprays for Mites
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spray Active Ingredient | Pyrethrin, Premethrin, Spinosad, Permethrin, Diatomaceous Earth, Garlic Juice |
| Application | Spray directly on chicken's skin, especially around the vent, under the wings, and in the head feathers |
| Toxicity | Permethrin is toxic to cats |
| Effectiveness | Pyrethrin and Spinosad kill both live bugs and eggs |
| Mixing Instructions | Mix 9ml of Spinosad per 1 gallon of water |
| Precautions | Remove food and water before spraying the chicken coop |
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What You'll Learn
Natural treatments: Cedarcide spray, garlic juice, and diatomaceous earth
Natural treatments can be used to address mites in chicken pens. Some of these treatments include Cedarcide spray, garlic juice, and diatomaceous earth.
Cedarcide Spray
Cedarcide Original is a natural bug spray that is safe for humans, pets, and livestock. It is non-toxic and family-safe when used as directed. The spray can be applied directly to bugs or used indoors on flooring, furniture, countertops, pet spaces, and fabrics for prevention. It is recommended to reapply the spray every 5-7 hours or after getting wet.
Garlic Juice
Garlic juice can be used as a natural mite repellent for chickens. A recipe from Clemson University involves combining 20 cloves of peeled and smashed garlic or 1 oz of garlic extract with essential oils in a 16 oz glass spray bottle. The mixture should be allowed to sit for several hours before use. If using garlic extract, water should be used instead of vinegar. The bottle should be shaken well before each spray, and the spray should be applied directly to the skin of the chicken, focusing on the neck, vent area, and the top of the tail.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, effective solution for controlling red mites in chicken coops. It is an abrasive powder that pierces and absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of mites, causing them to dehydrate and die. It can be dusted into the cracks and crevices of chicken coops, rubbed into wooden perches, and mixed with poultry bedding. It is recommended to use diatomaceous earth after cleaning and drying the chicken coop. While it is a slower process than chemical treatments, it is a natural approach that does not require an egg withdrawal period.
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Sprays: Elector PSP, pyrethrin, and permethrin
When it comes to treating mites in chicken pens, there are a few options available that are safe and effective. One popular option is Elector PSP, a poultry veterinarian-recommended treatment for mites and lice in chickens. Elector PSP is safe for both humans and chickens, and due to its multiple mechanisms of action, mites and lice do not develop resistance to it. It acts as both a larvicide and an adulticide, killing adults and their nits after a single application. When using Elector PSP, it is important to dilute 9 ml of the solution in one gallon of water and apply it using a spray bottle, ensuring that the feathers and skin of the chickens are thoroughly wet. It is best to treat the chickens after dark when they have gone to roost to minimize stress.
Another option for mite treatment in chicken pens is pyrethrin, an organic liquid concentrate derived from the flower Chrysanthemum Cinerariifolium, also known as mums. Pyrethrin is a safe, low-toxicity pesticide that is easily inactivated in the mammalian or avian body but highly toxic to insects, cats, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. It is a natural neurotoxin that is effective in killing mites and lice. Pyrethrin does not last long and biodegrades quickly, making it environmentally friendly. It can be found as an active ingredient in many retail mite and lice sprays.
Permethrin is another effective option for mite treatment in chicken pens. It is the synthetic version of pyrethrin and offers longer-lasting residual efficacy, giving it more time to kill bugs. Permethrin is a low-toxicity pesticide that is safe for humans and chickens but highly toxic to insects, cats, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. It is widely available in different liquid concentrations at farm stores and online. One user recommends diluting it with water and putting it in a spray bottle, but it is important to note that it is super toxic to cats, so caution should be exercised if there are cats around.
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Dips: diluted permethrin
Dips and sprays are an effective way to treat mites on chickens. While there are a variety of products available, permethrin is a common chemical treatment for chicken mites. It can be used in liquid or powder form and is applied directly to the infected birds and in the chicken coop. It is available at 10% concentration and can be diluted with water. It is important to note that permethrin is highly toxic to cats, so extreme caution should be exercised if there are cats in the vicinity.
To create a dip for chickens, a bucket of diluted permethrin solution can be used to soak the chickens. This treatment ensures that the chickens are thoroughly covered in the solution, increasing the chances of eliminating the mites. It is recommended to follow the directions provided on the permethrin product, as the dilution ratio may vary. It is also important to ensure that the permethrin product is suitable for use on chickens, as some products may be intended for other animals.
When using permethrin, it is crucial to follow safety precautions. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, to avoid inhaling or coming into direct contact with the chemical. Additionally, ensure that the chickens are removed from their food and water sources before the treatment and that they are thoroughly dried afterward. It is also important to prevent the chemical from contaminating water sources or the environment.
While permethrin is effective against mites, it does not kill their eggs. Therefore, it is recommended to reapply the treatment until all parasite egg masses have hatched. This ensures that the mite population does not rebound after the initial treatment. Alternatively, products containing Spinosad, such as Elector PSP, can be used. Spinosad is effective against both live bugs and nits, reducing the need for frequent reapplication. However, Spinosad loses its potency over time, so it is important to mix a fresh batch for each treatment.
In conclusion, dips using diluted permethrin are a viable option for treating chicken mites. It is important to follow safety instructions and reapply as needed to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. However, alternative products like Spinosad should also be considered for their ability to kill both mites and their eggs.
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Powders: diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that can be used to control mites in chicken pens. It is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. The powder is highly absorbent and can be used to pierce and absorb the lipids from the waxy outer layer of mites, causing them to dehydrate and die.
To use diatomaceous earth in your chicken pen, it is recommended to clean and dry the coop before applying the powder. You can sprinkle it onto the coop's floor, rub it into wooden perches, and dust it onto perch ends. It is important to note that diatomaceous earth should not be used on bedding or in dust baths, as it can become airborne and cause respiratory issues for both humans and chickens. It is also important to keep it away from the eyes, nose, and mouth of chickens if applied directly to the birds.
Some people recommend providing chickens with a dust bath containing diatomaceous earth, as chickens are naturally inclined to dust bathe, and they will treat themselves. You can also add a little to their food to help with worms. However, others caution against using it as a dust bath additive, as inhaling it can be harmful to the lungs of chickens.
While diatomaceous earth is a natural and effective way to control mites, it may not be suitable for severe infestations. It can take a few treatments to see results, and some people recommend using more drastic measures to bring down the number of mites before relying on diatomaceous earth. Additionally, diatomaceous earth kills all insects and can strip the environment of helpful bugs and microbes.
Overall, diatomaceous earth is a safe and natural option for controlling mites in chicken pens when used properly. It is important to weigh the benefits against the potential risks and to consider combining it with other treatments for the best results.
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Smoke bombs: Mini ForteFog 'P' Fumers
Mites can be a persistent problem for chicken coops, and there are a variety of treatments available. One option is to use smoke bombs, such as the Mini ForteFog 'P' Fumers, which contain 13.5% permethrin, an insecticide that kills mites and other insects.
Mini ForteFog 'P' Fumers are an effective way to treat a chicken coop for mites. To use them, first ensure the birds are shut out of the coop and normal ventilation openings are blocked off. Place the fumer canisters on a heat-resistant surface, such as a large plate or baking tray, and light the fuse wire, starting with the fumer furthest from the door. Leave the coop closed for at least two hours, then open all windows and doors to aerate the room. This treatment is most effective on cracks and crevices where mites hide, so it is important to ensure the smoke filters into these areas.
Mini ForteFog 'P' Fumers are a simple and powerful treatment option, particularly useful when spraying is not feasible or limited. They are easy to use, with a unique blue touch paper fuse that reduces the risk of fire. They are also odourless and leave no visible residue. In addition to mites, they are effective against a wide range of flying and crawling insects, including flies, mosquitoes, wasps, moths, fleas, bed bugs, and cockroaches.
It is important to note that when using any mite treatment, protective clothing such as a face/dust mask and rubber gloves should be worn to prevent inhalation and direct skin contact with the products. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and be mindful of the safety precautions for each product. For example, when using Mini ForteFog 'P' Fumers, ensure all fish tanks and pets are removed from the area, and when treating chickens, other infested areas should also be treated.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a garlic juice spray treatment, mixing 1 ounce of 100% pure garlic juice into 10 ounces of water. You will need to spray the solution on infected birds every other day for up to three weeks.
Permethrin is a common chemical treatment for chicken mites. It can be applied directly to the infected birds and used in the chicken coop, but it is highly toxic to cats.
Spinosad is an extremely effective treatment for chicken mites. It can be applied directly to the infected birds and sprayed around the chicken coop without having to remove any of the coop litter.
It is important to remove the flock's food and water before spraying any treatments around the coop. Some treatments may also irritate the eyes and respiratory system of both the chicken and the handler, so caution should be exercised.
