Lice - Can I use DE?

[luvinmychickens]

My girls have lice!!!! Does DE get rid of it???? If so, I'm out to pick some up next weekend...

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Yes DE gets rid of Lice. I personally use Sevin 5%, but that is just a matter of choice. Good luck with your girlies!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/433402/lice
Here's one lice thread that recently got reactivated and you might want to look through it. I haven't worked with lice but for mites, DE doesn't work and so I would go with what Ms Bagawk said and use something stronger.

Sevin is off-label but is very effective at killing bugs. Also there is poultry dust at the feed store (permethrin). Don't forget to retreat every week until gone. Coconut oil will dissolve the nits after the bugs are dead I have read on BYC.

 

[BeccaSmith]

I think DE will kill the lice over time, or help control them, but if you want immediate action, I would use Poultry and Garden Dust or Seven. I personally use the Poultry and Garden Dust, I originally tried the DE with no results, then I tried the Poultry and Garden Dust a week later and litterally watched the lice drop dead and fall off of one of my poor hens.