I agree with Mary. Permethrin worked best for me. I tried a lot of other remedies including DE. You must repeat spraying because it not not kill the pests eggs. I use the permethrin dust on the birds and spray thoroughly in the coop in all of the cracks and crevices where the pests can hide. There is no egg withdrawal period. If you have a TSC they carry the permethrin powder, premixed spray bottles and the concentrate.DE and aromatic oils aren't good to inhale either. Permethrin is toxic for cats, at levels that are fine for many other species. Once the birds and their coop has dried, the cats are safe too. DE isn't really a safer alternative, and doesn't work as well either.
Mary


