Don’t delay! Now is the time to get ready to fight the Mighty MITES!
Here they are…
Tiny, but a real pest!
Dermanyssus gallinae, commonly known as the Red Mite, is a notorious summer pest that infiltrates chicken coops, causing distress to our feathered friends. Let’s delve into its intriguing life:
Red Mite Facts:
Size: These tiny mites measure approximately 0.75–1 mm (0.030–0.039 in) in length.
Colour: Their bodies appear greyish-white but turn reddish-brown when engorged after feeding.
Feeding Behaviour: They are obligate blood feeders, primarily attacking their hosts under the cover of darkness.
Life Cycle: From egg to adult, their life cycle can be completed in as little as seven days under favourable conditions.
Impact on Poultry: Infestations can lead to anaemia, especially in young birds.
Winter Rest: You might assume they’ve vanished during the cool winter months, but no! They’re merely resting, biding their time.
Awakening: As the first warm day dawns, these resilient mites stir back to life, ready to torment coops once more.
Fellow coop keepers, be vigilant! The Red Mite’s return is imminent, and your hens deserve a pest-free home!
Preparing for the Red Mite invasion is crucial. Here are some proactive steps to fortify your coop against these persistent pests:
Thorough Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential. Remove debris, dust, and any potential hiding spots. But let’s take further steps:
1. Paint the Coop Interior: A fresh coat of paint not only brightens up the coop but also serves as a deterrent. Opt for light colours, as mites dislike well-lit environments. They’ll think twice before setting up camp on those freshly painted walls.
2. Plastic Nest Boxes: Swap out wooden nest boxes for shallow, washable plastic trugs. These are easier to clean and disinfect. Plus, mites won’t find them as cozy as wooden nooks.
3. Shredded Paper Nest Material: Shredded paper makes an excellent nest box material. It’s cozy, absorbent, and easy to replace. When swapping out old nesting material for new, either burn or compost the old paper. Recycling at its finest!
4. Early Mite Repellent Action: Start using mite repellent sprays now. These proactive measures help keep the mites at bay before they even think about settling in.
5. Bleach for Hygiene: Yes, you read that right! Diluted bleach can be your ally. Regularly sanitize the plastic nest boxes with a bleach solution. It’ll keep the mites at bay and maintain a hygienic environment.
6. Stay Ahead of the Game: Remember, the key is to get ahead of the enemy. Do as much as you can now—clean, replace, spray—and your coop will be battle-ready for a mite-free summer.
Remember, every little effort counts. Your vigilant coop management will keep those pesky mites on their toes (or tiny feet). Happy coop prepping!
Author Jill Wilson
Co-Counder George’s Chicken Remedies
February 2023