Red mites are the hidden menace of the poultry world. Nearly invisible to the naked eye, these tiny parasites lurk in the nooks and crannies of your hen house, feeding on your birds under cover of darkness. If left unchecked, they can cause severe stress, lead to disease, reduce egg production, and even kill. Recognising the signs early and acting fast is key to keeping your flock healthy and productive. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to spot, treat, and prevent red mite infestations using a combination of chemical, natural, and systemic solutions.
Red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are nocturnal parasites that feed on the blood of poultry. Measuring just 0.6 to 1mm, they are yellowy-brown in colour, turning red after feeding. During the day, they hide in coop crevices and under perches, emerging at night to feed.
They can cause:
Red mites also spread diseases and are easily transferred via wild birds, second-hand housing, or new birds added to the flock.
Early detection is critical. Here are proven methods to identify an infestation:
Red mites don’t just live in the coop—they also attack the chickens. Here’s how to treat the birds directly:
Create a dust bathing area using sand, wood ash, and diatomaceous earth. Chickens will naturally clean themselves, and the mixture helps dislodge and kill mites.
Apply insecticidal powders such as Pestene or red mite powder with tea tree oil (e.g., Flyte so Fancy). Focus on high-risk areas like:
Use a contact spray like Avitrol Mite and Lice Spray, which penetrates feathers and kills mites on contact. Ensure the spray reaches the skin and feather shafts.
For severe cases, consider Exzolt, a vet-prescribed product added to drinking water. It kills mites as they feed, offering flock-wide treatment.
Red mites thrive in dirty, dark spaces. A meticulous coop cleanout is essential:
Strip the coop of all bedding and organic matter. Focus on cracks, under perches, and nesting boxes—prime mite hideouts.
Use a targeted red mite spray such as:
Dilute and apply thoroughly with a sprayer. Let it soak into crevices.
After cleaning, apply food-grade diatomaceous earth liberally around:
This cleaner penetrates deep into cracks. Apply, allow it to sit, then rinse. It’s safe and effective for ongoing mite management.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here’s how to keep red mite at bay:
Keep a dry dust bath available at all times, ideally sheltered from rain.
Look for:
Introduce Androlis predatory mites from companies like Dragonfli. These beneficial bugs feed on red mites and help keep populations down naturally.
Red mites are a serious but manageable threat to your poultry. By staying vigilant and using a multi-pronged treatment approach, you can protect your flock’s health, comfort, and productivity. Using hands-on solutions like mite powders, Poultry Shield, and diatomaceous earth, there’s no shortage of effective tools. Stay proactive with regular inspections and maintenance, and your hens will thank you with full health and high egg yields.
Visit our website for a wide range of red mite treatments.
