Herbs to keep bugs away?

[HuskerChickMom]

I am thinking about putting some fresh peppermint and marigolds in with my broody hens to help keep insects away from them! I was wondering if anyone has done this and if it helped. How often should I change it?

 

[Suzi18]

I sprinkle mint, marigolds and lavender and roses when I have them in my nest boxes every couple days. Haven't had any bug issues but I mainly do it because I think it makes them happy and calm. I know I'd sure like it

 

[Lady of McCamley]

It won't help to keep the kind of bugs that matter to birds, such as lice and mites, which live on the bird. It *might* mildly help with external bugs, such as roost mites, but to a very small degree, if any.

The only oil I know of that helps with mites is orange oil. It has been shown to be effective with ants, spiders, and mite type bugs. However, after using it for a bit (in the coop, not on the bird), I noticed it lost efficacy, and I was back to permethrin.

Birds can also be sensitive to oils, so I would be sure to have good ventilation in the coop if you desire to place herbals with oils (such as the peppermint).

Never use thyme (oil). That has shown to cause death in chickens when placed in their coops.

Research is being done on oregano oil for internal remedies (worms). Unfortunately essential oils are not controlled such that you can be assured of getting the same potency from one bottle to the next. However, that area is promising. A number of organic hatcheries are using oregano oil in the water to help with internal parasites.

Most whole herbs simply aren't potent enough to do the job.

There is this thread which has discussions about herbals and such:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ad-ots-welcome.729605/page-3899#post-18056723

Try posting there to see if anyone has good experience (ie actual improvement of a known condition rather than assumption that it is doing the job because they haven't seen any).

I'm always hopeful for herbals, as I like the idea, but sadly, they have not lived up to the hype thus far for me.

LofMc

 

[HuskerChickMom]

Thank you both!! I will check out that other thread for sure. I use diatomaceous Earth (food grade) in their dusting dirt and have never had a problem with lice or anything, but unfortunately I've noticed some gnats around my broody girls and would love to get those darn things to stay away!!

 

[Noaskye]

I grow mint and cut some every few days and throw it in the pen and coop, keeps flies down and it cools them off when they eat it in the summer.

 

[Cyneswith]

I sprinkle mint, marigolds and lavender and roses when I have them in my nest boxes every couple days. Haven't had any bug issues but I mainly do it because I think it makes them happy and calm. I know I'd sure like it

I want someone to give ME mint, marigolds, lavender, and roses when I'm hormonal...

 

[Suzi18]

Me too!!!

 

[sc000000bysnack]

I have had great luck with mint, oregano, and sage plants repelling pests.

 

[jeria]

also citronella. I would love to be able to use some in my yard but allergic to it. Lemon balm (mint family) but it also attracts bees so good for the environment.