One of the most common challenges that poultry keepers face is dealing with mites. These tiny, bothersome parasites can cause discomfort, stress, and even health issues for our beloved chickens.
Should you discover a mite infestation among your flock, worry not! This comprehensive guide is designed to arm you with essential knowledge about mites – their nature, origins, and the threat they pose to your chickens. Furthermore, we will delve into ten tried-and-true strategies to eliminate these pesky parasites from your chickens and their coop.
From natural remedies to preventative measures and targeted treatments, we’ve got you covered on your quest to protect your flock’s well-being.
What are Mites?
Mites are tiny arthropods, related to spiders, that are often parasitic in nature. They are incredibly small, often requiring a microscope to be seen clearly. There are thousands of different species of mites, some of which are beneficial, but many of which can cause harm to plants, animals, and even humans. In the context of poultry, the most common types of mites that affect chickens include the Red Mite, Northern Fowl Mite, and Scaly Leg Mite. These mites are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the outside of their host, feeding on the blood, skin, and feathers of chickens.
Where do Mites Come From?
Mites are ubiquitous in the environment and can be found virtually everywhere, from soil and plants to animals and humans. In poultry, mites often come from wild birds or rodents that carry them into the chicken coop. They can also be introduced into a flock through new chickens that are already infested. Mites are incredibly hardy and can survive in the environment for a long time, waiting for a suitable host. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and can multiply rapidly under the right circumstances.
Why are Mites Dangerous to Chickens?
Mites pose a significant threat to chickens due to their blood-feeding behavior. They bite the chickens to feed on their blood, causing irritation, discomfort, and stress in the birds. This can lead to a decrease in egg production and weight gain. In severe infestations, the blood loss can lead to anemia and even death. Additionally, mites can transmit diseases and other parasites to chickens. The constant itching and scratching can also lead to wounds and secondary infections. Furthermore, the presence of mites can cause distress among the flock, leading to changes in behavior and increased aggression.
10 Effective Methods to Eliminate Mites on Chickens
For this article, I reached back out to my group of fellow chicken enthusiasts to see what they had to say about getting rid of mites and preventing future incursions. I hope you enjoy what they had to contribute!
Without further adieu, let’s get into the 10 most effective methods to eliminate mites on chickens!
1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural product made from fossilized diatoms. It is an effective method for controlling mites in the chicken coop. DE works by absorbing the oils and fats from the cuticle of the insect’s exoskeleton, causing them to dry out and die. You can apply DE directly to your chickens and their coop, effectively killing any mites present. However, be careful not to inhale the dust as it can cause respiratory problems.
If you’re interested in purchasing some Diatomaceous Earth, Amazon offers a variety of Diatomaceous Earth products suitable for chickens, including the Good Earth Diatomaceous Earth Supplement for Chicken and Farm Animals.
2. Dust Baths
Chickens naturally bathe in dust to keep their feathers clean and prevent parasites. Providing a dust bath area in your coop can help eliminate mites. The chickens roll around in the dust, which helps to remove mites from their feathers. You can enhance the effectiveness of dust baths by adding DE, wood ash, and certain herbs to the dust mix.
Many people in the group reported that wood ash helped greatly with the mites on their chickens.
3. Use Elector PSP
Elector PSP is a commercial solution for chicken mite infestations. It’s an insecticide derived from the fermentation of the Saccharopolyspora bacteria and is effective against several types of chicken mites. You can apply diluted Elector PSP directly to your chickens and their coop. It doesn’t kill mite eggs, so you’ll need to reapply it every two weeks until all the mites are gone.
Elector PSP works by contact and ingestion, meaning that mites are affected when they come into contact with the product or consume it. This dual action makes it highly effective against mites, even those hiding in hard-to-reach areas.
Moreover, Elector PSP is safe to use around chickens and has no egg withdrawal period, making it a preferred choice for many poultry keepers. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using Elector PSP to ensure its effectiveness and the safety of your chickens.
Elector PSP can be purchased from a variety of sources. Here are a few options:
- Amazon offers Elector PSP suitable for chickens.
- Walmart sells Elector PSP Premise Spray in an 8 oz bottle.
- The Chicken Chick Shop provides Elector PSP in a single-use dropper bottle. The 9.0 ml Elector PSP must be diluted in one gallon of water and can treat at least 50 chickens.
- Valley Vet offers Elector PSP Premise Spray for control of various pests in and around livestock premises.
- Elanco, the manufacturer of Elector PSP, provides information about the product on their website. You may be able to find a local distributor through their site.
During my discussion with my group of 26k avid chicken enthusiasts, one user loved Elector ESP. See their comment below.
4. Give Your Chickens Garlic
Chicken mites don’t like garlic. Feeding your chickens garlic can help repel mites. The scent of garlic is excreted through the chickens’ skin and blood, which can deter mites. You can introduce garlic to your flock’s diet in various ways, such as adding garlic-infused apple cider vinegar to their water.
5. Use Herbs
Certain herbs, like chamomile, can help repel mites. You can add these herbs to your chickens’ dust baths, nesting boxes, and bedding. Chamomile can also help stimulate the immune system and reduce the healing time for mite bites.
6. Keep The Coop Clean
Keeping your coop clean is crucial for preventing and dealing with mite infestations. Regularly cleaning out your coop and using a cleaning product that penetrates the wood can help eliminate mites. Also, predator-proofing your coop can prevent wild animals, which can carry mites, from entering your coop.
Another user from my group posted on the importance of keeping the coop clean!
7. Use Natural Coop Mite Spray
Natural coop mite sprays made from a mix of dish soap, oil, and water can help eliminate mites. The oil smothers the mites, while the soap strips away their protective outer layer. You can apply these sprays directly to your chickens and their coop.
Mite sprays for chickens can be purchased right from Amazon if you’d rather not make it yourself. However, not all of these sprays are considered “Natural”. Amazon offers a variety of mite sprays suitable for chickens, including the Poultry Spray by Premo Guard, which is designed to treat mites, fleas, flies, and lice.
8. Apply Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is effective against mites. It contains azadirachtin, a compound that disrupts the life cycle of mites, inhibiting their ability to feed, mate, and lay eggs.
Neem oil also has repellent properties, making it effective in preventing future mite infestations. It can be applied directly to the chickens or their environment, making it a versatile solution for mite control.
In addition to its insecticidal properties, neem oil also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help soothe and heal the skin of chickens affected by mites.
Neem oil for chickens can be purchased from a variety of sources. Here are a few options:
- Amazon offers a variety of neem oil products suitable for chickens.
- Tractor Supply Co. sells Harris Organic Neem Oil in a 12 oz bottle.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that can help in the fight against chicken mites. ACV can be added to your chickens’ water or used as a spray. When ingested, it can boost the immune system of your chickens, making them less attractive to mites. As a spray, it can help create an environment that is less hospitable to mites.
Here’s how to use it:
- Ingestion: Add 1 tablespoon of ACV per gallon of water in your chickens’ waterer. This can be done once or twice a week.
- Spray: Mix equal parts of ACV and water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution in your coop, focusing on roosts, nesting boxes, and other areas where mites may hide. You can also lightly spray your chickens, avoiding their eyes and nostrils.
One of my fellow chicken enthusiasts commented on ACV here as well.
You’ll notice that they also mentioned hot pepper flakes in their food. I haven’t heard of that one, but you could always give it a try!
10. Introduce Predatory Mites
Predatory mites are a natural solution to chicken mite infestations. These mites feed on harmful mites, helping to control their population. You can introduce predatory mites to your coop by purchasing them from a reputable supplier.
Predatory mites can be purchased from a variety of sources. Here are a few options:
- Nature’s Good Guys offers a mix of predatory mite species that can be used for mite control in your chicken coop.
- Amazon also sells live adult predatory mites. They offer a mix of predatory mite species and provide next business day shipping.
- Organic Control, Inc. provides predatory mites shipped as adults in bottles with a medium such as corn grit or vermiculite.
- Planet Natural offers a range of beneficial insects, including predatory mites, for natural pest control.
Why are Predatory Mites Good at Eating Other Mites?
Predatory mites are excellent at controlling other mite populations due to their natural predatory instincts and dietary needs. They are specifically adapted to hunt, capture, and consume other mites. Predatory mites are often larger and faster than the mites they prey upon, giving them a significant advantage. They also have a high reproductive rate, which allows them to quickly increase their population and keep up with the mite populations they are controlling.
In addition, predatory mites have a broad diet, meaning they can feed on a variety of mite species. This makes them a versatile solution for controlling different types of mite infestations. By introducing predatory mites into your chicken coop, you’re essentially introducing a natural predator that will help keep harmful mite populations in check.