Exactly how long can red mite live in coop without chickens?

[joebatty]

My coop's been empty for around 6 months. The question is: How long can red mite live in a coop, without a chicken as a host?

 

[0wen]

A very long time... Waiting them out isn't effective - unless you're ready to wait years.

http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2013/02/mites-how-to-prevent-them-and-treat.html

 

[aart]

A very long time... Waiting them out isn't effective - unless you're ready to wait years.

http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2013/02/mites-how-to-prevent-them-and-treat.html

Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see anything in that blog post about how long mites can live without avian blood. I don't know that answer either tho.

Not sure I buy the holistic approach to eliminating a mite infestation cited there either.

The thought of dousing a coop with garlic oil mixed with other aromatics makes me want some fresh air.

 

[aart]

My coop's been empty for around 6 months. The question is: How long can red mite live in a coop, without a chicken as a host?

After some googling, most places say 6-9 months.

Of course if wild birds have access to inside of coop, that is null and void as they are often carriers.

 

[Teila]

After some googling, most places say 6-9 months.

Of course if wild birds have access to inside of coop, that is null and void as they are often carriers.

x 2

I have read they can survive 6-8 months between feeds.