Get rid of buffalo Gnats

[strawn28]

I just lost three chickens to buffalo gnats. Any advice how to keep them off my chickens?

 

[sourland]

@mixedUPturk just dealt with a similar problem. Do an on site search on "Gnats killing Birds" hopefully that will help.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

That sounds extreme! Sorry for your loss.


I would try a permethrin based spray... I bought to battle mosquitoes and discovered it works for lice, mites, and many other pests...

in the equine section at most feed stores, labeled for use in poultry and no egg withdrawal required when used according to directions. Also for use on surfaces like coop/barn wall/floor/roost/nest boxes. This one is under $8 and lasted me 2+ years. Comes in other concentrations you can mix to your own application bottle (garden sprayer) if desired, under names like Gordon's and such.



If you aren't positive it was the gnats... I suggest a necropsy...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures.799747/

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf

 

[mixedUPturk]

Sadly i did deal w this as Sir Sour said. He gave u the exact title to my thread. Treat fast and if u see lethargic birds i was able to rehab a gal w eggs and nutridrench so was so weak i was scared to find her passed on everytime i went outside. A number of people have found this in the news including in my local paper. On my thread are links to those articles. I lost 41 quail and 1 bantam chicken hen inside of 3 days. Evertime i went outside id find 10 or 12 dead

As eggsighted4life said a necropsy is what u need to be 100% sure. i had one done and it saved me alot of heartache cuz i wouldve blamed myself for the rest of my life and instead it was these stupid bugs having a breeding spree.

 

[strawn28]

Thanks so much. We had one survive and my baby birds are in our garage I think I’ll keep everyone there till this gnat season ends.