Dealing with mites

[mopalia]

Severe infestation that got out of hand because I have been too old and ill to cope. I have someone coming to pressure wash the coop. Should we use any soap or? in the water for the washing? I'm hoping to get someone to whitewash the interior of the coop. I have put up an ad to pay someone to come and treat the chickens, but no responses yet. is there something I should do to treat the area where they dust bathe? they are very freerange and a bit feral. Any advice? And if you are in the Sacramento area, I'll pay you to deal with this. Any advice appreciated.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Any advice?

I'd not pressure wash.. but consider using a permethrin based spray.. something like..

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/gordons-permethrin-10-livestock-and-premise-spray-32-oz

Found on the equine isle at TSC and sold under different names and concentrations from ready to use or must dilute.

Can be used directly on the chickens, feathers parted so skin contact is made.. a SMALL spritz just below the vent, under each wing pit, and to the nape of the neck where it meet's the head.

Alternatively.. some folks put the following stuff in a sock to apply directly to the chickens.

How many chickens do you have? it's most easy to treat them after dark if possible.. keeping it dim and using a flashlight or headlamp and removing each individual from roost holding their wings down to their body and placing them back.

Permethrin is very effective in my experience. Getting someone to help is much more challenging. Maybe the pressure washing person would help with this suggestion instead??