Looking for advice regarding mites and lice

[HarryF1]

I would love to tell you that DE works, but it does not.
Here is more info: https://the-chicken-chick.com/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification/
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I just ordered a 10kg bag of DE a few days ago! Do you know if red mite can affect humans? I've had quite a few red dots around my body which feel a little itchy.

 

[Isaiah53]

That's a relief, now I just need to find the UK version of the Permethrin product.

Ask around for "residual sprays". Hopefully they'll know what you're talking about. It's an easy way to keep on top of the mite /lice problem, even before it starts. Maybe even ask a lawn maintenance or pest control service?

In Canada it's difficult to get much of the same things that were discussed here. I had no idea I couldn't bring permethrin powder across the border into Canada, and just got told at customs no can do. He let me bring the 2 containers I'd purchased today which was nice But it's ridiculous I can buy a permethrin residual spray, but not a permethrin powder in Canada.

Good luck!

 

[coach723]

Really glad you were able to find something! Price wasn't too far different from what I bought here last time, I think mine was about $17 locally. But should help you get a handle on the mite problem. Good luck!

 

[rebrascora]

@HarryF1

Hi

I'm in the UK. Mites have been a problem is some of my coops this summer. I use the Nettex Total Mite Kill in conjunction with DE dusting and a blow torch.... I keep bees and one of my coops that is particularly close to my hives has the worst problem, so I don't like to be using insecticides in that area. Scorching the inside of the hive with a blow torch every few days can be quite satisfying. I also squash clusters of them when I see them. I have one of those little coops with the split roof that is hinged upwards for a pair of my banties and the mites often congregate around the top of the walls where the roof meets them so every morning I lift the roof and squash them with my fingers. It is a continual battle year on year. Those little coops are a particular problem because the roof is lined with plywood on the underside which delaminates when it gets damp and the mites breed in the gaps caused by the delamination..... arrgh!

PS I get my Nettex Total Mite Kill from my local feed store. I think it is about £10. I bought both the ready to use sprayer and the concentrate and just fill up the empty sprayer bottle with concentrate and water when I need it. I measured out the quantities of concentrate and water and poured them into the spray bottle and marked the level on it with an indelible pen, so now I just pour concentrate to the first line and then top up with water to the second line and I don't have to start thinking about dilutions.

Good luck getting rid of them. They will almost certainly come back again next year, so keep a sharp look out, dust or spray with your DE to keep levels low and Total Mite Kill or blow torch to target infestations. If you get any broody hens, they are a magnate for them and numbers multiply quickly because they can feats 24/7 on a broody. I always dust nests of eggs that I set for broodies with DE before they start and at least twice through the incubation process and always make sure broodies have access to dust bathing facilities..

Regards

Barbara

 

[jolly wattles]

I use permethrin. Never have any problems with pests. If you use DE I suggest using a mask when spreading it as it is harmful to inhale. I never use it around my chickens or other animals.

 

[ShouldabeenaVET]

Ok I guess maybe I have never had nor know of Mites. I live in a super dry area. I use the above for my horses though. Works good for ticks and flies.

 

[HarryF1]

My understanding is that the mites need a bird to survive but will sometimes bite another host while looking for a bird. So you may get bitten, but should not get infested by them. All the more reason (as if you needed more) to get rid of them!
http://medent.usyd.edu.au/fact/birdmite.html

That's a relief, now I just need to find the UK version of the Permethrin product.

 

[HarryF1]

Depending on where you are, you can purchase a product called Doktor Doom Residual Spray. It contains .5% permethrin spray.

I'm based in UK, don't think I'll find that product in here. I've across a few mite sprays with good reviews but none of them mention if they have any Permethrin:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Smite-14SM...&qid=1535835140&sr=8-30&keywords=chicken+lice

EDIT: Here's the one I found later which contains Permethrin, for anyone who might come across this thread in the future:

https://www.flytesofancy.co.uk/chickenhouses/Net-Tex-Total-Mite-Kill-Concentrate-500ml-NTX4354.html

 

[HarryF1]

I love DE but..... when you have a infestation you have a serious problem. You need to break the cycle of repoduction or your just wasting time and money. Coach gave you great advice and a good product to use. I use DE for maintenance basically but anyone with a true infestation knows it only slows the cycle never completely irradiates it. It takes more than one time to Treat this type of problem.

Wish I had found this site sooner, wasted a lot of time and energy on using DE.

 

[HarryF1]

It has many good uses. Just not for infestations. Maintenance yes.

Thanks for that list, I've a 10kg bag being delivered in a few days, good to know it won't go to waste.