Help with identifying an insect pest

[brayne]

I'm new to the forum, so hello to everyone.

I'm in Sydney, Australia and have had backyard chickens for a couple of years now. They free range in the backyard, and I've never really had any issues with pests before. Today I was in the backyard doing some work on their coop, and when I came inside I had a few of these on me (see attached image). The critter is about 1mm in length.

I suspect it's a mite, but I just want to be sure before I start any form of treatment.

Thanks in advance,
Bruce.

 

[lazy gardener]

Does look like some sort of mite. But, your critters will be much different than ours! Is there a poultry advisory agent that you can call?

 

[BantyChooks]

I'm new to the forum, so hello to everyone.

I'm in Sydney, Australia and have had backyard chickens for a couple of years now. They free range in the backyard, and I've never really had any issues with pests before. Today I was in the backyard doing some work on their coop, and when I came inside I had a few of these on me (see attached image). The critter is about 1mm in length.

I suspect it's a mite, but I just want to be sure before I start any form of treatment.

Thanks in advance,
Bruce.

No clue what it is, but you can keep it there.

 

[Hybridchucks]

No clue what it is, but you can keep it there.

2x.......
Welcome to BYC! (Aka BackYardChickens) Its great to have you here with us! Thanks for joining!

 

[WhiteWyan]

Mites have 8 legs like spiders. Are you able to see them?

 

[Emilyann234]

Hello,

I am new as well. It looks like the tropical fowl mite.

 

[Emilyann234]

This website says it is the tropical rat mite http://www.contracostamosquito.com/mites.htm

 

[brayne]

Thanks to everyone for the replies!

This website says it is the tropical rat mite

Yes, that definitely looks like the critter in question. And it would make sense, as I know there are some rats living in the backyard compost bin.

Time to buy some traps I think!

Thanks again for all the replies.

Bruce

 

[brayne]

Actually, on second thought, I think it looks more like a bird mite (they sure do look similar). Either way, I've definitely got some cleaning work to do!