How can you treat a red mite infestation?
Once red mites have settled in your coop, it can be very difficult to get rid of them. Successful treatment requires a multi-step approach:
- Thoroughly clean the coop or enclosure
- Seal as many cracks and crevices as possible
- Treat both the birds and their environment
- Regularly inspect both animals and surroundings for red mites
Treating the environment for red mites
There are various types of products you can use to treat the environment:
Natural solutions, work by making the environment less attractive to red mites.
You can also opt for a mechanical treatment, such as Oropharma Mite-Killer. Its active ingredients adhere to surfaces and leave a visible white layer. This layer has an abrasive effect on mites and creates a physical barrier. This spray can also be used preventively.
There are also chemical products available, such as Denka U-2 Liquid, which contains pyrethrum, a natural insecticide that kills mites. Important: This product must not be used directly on animals!
Treating birds for red mite
It’s important to treat not only the environment, but also the birds themselves when dealing with a red mite infestation. This can be done using natural products, such as Excellent Red Mite Powder, or with chemical treatments based on ivermectin, such as Iverdrop.
Explore our full range of red mite products for chickens and other birds.
Using predatory mites to combat red mite
Another option is to combat red mites with their natural enemy: predatory mites. There are special species bred specifically to target red mite infestations in chickens.
Predatory mites avoid light and hide in the same dark crevices and cracks in the coop where red mites are usually found. A single predatory mite can eat around five red mites per day. They are harmless to poultry and can also be used preventively.
However, since predatory mites need food to survive, they are most effective when an infestation is already present. Initially, you may notice an increase in visible red mites, as they are driven from their hiding places by the predatory mites. After about 2 to 3 weeks, you should start to see results.
For best results, predatory mites should be replenished every 5 weeks. Important: Predatory mites are sensitive to the same insecticides that kill red mites. Therefore, using both treatments at the same time is not effective. Ideally, avoid using chemical treatments for 6 weeks before introducing predatory mites.
Treating red mite with vinegar
Vinegar especially apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural remedy against red mite. The strong scent is unpleasant for the mites, and the vinegar itself disrupts their outer layer. You can spray the coop with diluted vinegar to help reduce their presence.
Make sure to clean the coop thoroughly before applying vinegar. Dilute the vinegar in a 1:1 ratio with water, and repeat this process weekly for best results.
Can you still eat eggs from chickens with red mite?
Whether you can safely eat the eggs depends on the type of treatment used: If you’re treating the chickens with chemical substances, such as ivermectin, it’s best to avoid eating the eggs for at least 2 to 4 weeks. Ivermectin is not officially approved for use in poultry, so no withdrawal period for egg consumption has been established.
If you’re using natural remedies, the eggs are generally safe to eat. However, keep in mind that red mite infestations may reduce egg production and the overall quality of the eggs.
Why is it so difficult to eliminate red mite?
Red mites are hard to detect early because they hide during the day. By the time you notice their presence, they are often already present in large numbers.
Their hidden lifestyle also makes them difficult to reach with treatment products. On top of that, red mites don’t feed every day—they emerge only once every 6 to 10 days to take a blood meal. That means some mites are always still hiding during any single treatment.
As a result, it often takes a long time to completely eliminate an infestation. That’s why it’s better to focus on prevention than cure.
Can you prevent red mite?
Yes, but red mite infestations can easily recur, especially when wild animals carry them into your bird enclosure. That’s why it’s important to regularly check your coop and birds, and maintain high hygiene standards.
You can make the coop and your birds less attractive to red mites using several methods:
Whitewash (lime) is often used to make the coop drier and brighter. It has a moisture-absorbing effect that makes the environment less hospitable for mites.
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from fossilised algae. It has a scraping effect that damages the mite’s outer layer and causes them to dehydrate. It can be applied to dust baths, nest boxes, perches, or any areas where mites might hide, such as cracks and joints, and around feed and water stations.
Tobacco shavings can also be used as bedding. They help repel mites, making them ideal for nest boxes and nighttime enclosures.
Many mite treatments mentioned earlier are also suitable for preventative use. You can also regularly apply predatory mites to help prevent outbreaks of red mite and other parasites.
Product like Excellent Garlic Allicin for Poultry help make the chickens themselves less attractive to red mites.
Can humans also be affected by red mite?
Yes, both humans and other animals can be affected by red mite. However, humans are only temporary hosts, as red mites require birds to survive long-term. That said, a red mite infestation in your home can be difficult to eliminate, and people mainly experience itchiness caused by the mites.
If you keep birds yourself, there’s a higher chance of bringing red mites into your home. To prevent this:
- Wear protective clothing when working in the coop.
- Wash your arms and hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards
- Change your clothes and wash them immediately
- Always wash your hair after showering to avoid bringing mites inside
Even if you don’t have birds, you can still experience problems with red mites especially if there are abandoned bird nests near your home. The mites may start looking for alternative blood sources.
Cats and dogs that come near these nests can also carry mites into the house.
Red mites are sensitive to the same environmental sprays used for fleas. If you suspect red mites in your home, these products can help. You should also consider: Steam cleaning, Frequent vacuuming and mopping, Washing bedding and fabrics at a minimum of 60 °C. Keep in mind that other parasites, such as harvest mites, fleas, or bedbugs, can cause similar symptoms in humans.
Do you have more questions about red mite? Contact our veterinary team at: [email protected]
