Red mite

[Lsollazzi]

Hi there

Ive just realised we have a pretty heavy infestation of red mite in the coop which I'm dealing with. My specific worry is this: ive berb in and out of coop at night before going to bed, kids have been occasionally carrying chickens around the house. I have now read online that red mite infestations can occur in human homes. However im also aware that you can find anything online if you look hard enough. What are peoples actual experience on this, where you have treated your chickens rather like pets as we do at our house. I know on one occasion my daughter had brushed past a load and was sitting on our sofa itching when we realised she had loads on her, at which point she showered. It's a new sofa and I'm really worried about or furnishings, beds etc. Obviously we will modify our behaviours with experience, but is it too late?! Any reassurance VERY welcome.

Thanks very much

 

[Lsollazzi]

Btw we live in UK and have no pets in pets in our home

 

[cmom]

I don't know what is available in the UK. Here in the US, I use permethrin. They also make it for spraying on clothing as a deterrent.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=permethe...=c&hvqmt=e&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_326dfnurgi_e

If you can find something like it in the UK, treat your coop. I use permethrin in my coops when I have found mites. I spray weekly for 3 or 4 weeks because it doesn't kill the mites eggs so repeated weekly thorough spraying is necessary in every crack and crevice where the mites can hide, walls, ceiling, on and under the roosts, everywhere. I use poultry dust with permethrin too. I put it in the nest boxes. I have sprayed the birds and dusted my birds working it thoroughly into their feathers all over. It has worked for me. I did a little research and found this which should work. Also with permethrin there is no egg withdrawal period. Good luck...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PELGAR-V...170090&hash=item1cd956d8be:g:UQgAAOSwqkVde0v8

 

[cmom]

I have also used permethrin on flies. Recently I had been seeing a lot of flies around and in the coops. I sprayed weekly for a couple of weeks and the flies are pretty much gone.

 

[cmom]

I don't know what is available in the UK. Here in the US, I use permethrin. They also make it for spraying on clothing as a deterrent.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=permethe...=c&hvqmt=e&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_326dfnurgi_e

If you can find something like it in the UK, treat your coop. I use permethrin in my coops when I have found mites. I spray weekly for 3 or 4 weeks because it doesn't kill the mites eggs so repeated weekly thorough spraying is necessary in every crack and crevice where the mites can hide, walls, ceiling, on and under the roosts, everywhere. I use poultry dust with permethrin too. I put it in the nest boxes. I have sprayed the birds and dusted my birds working it thoroughly into their feathers all over. It has worked for me. I did a little research and found this which should work. Also with permethrin there is no egg withdrawal period. Good luck...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PELGAR-V...170090&hash=item1cd956d8be:g:UQgAAOSwqkVde0v8

I think the PELGAR VULCAN FLY SPRAY P RFU is not for use on the birds but a premise spray for coops and farm buildings.

 

[cmom]

I came across this on another thread. I found these products appear to be available in the UK.

I follow this routine:
1. Clean the house, nesting boxes and droppings board with NETTEX Poultry cleaner.
2. Wipe/soak all the surfaces, especially nooks and crannies, with the NETTEX Mite Kill spray, which contains Permethrin. This must be left to dry completely and birds should be kept out for a minimum of two hours.
3. Dust all the surfaces, nooks, crannies and nesting boxes liberally with Barrier Mite powder for protection.
4. I spray my hens with my homemade garlic juice, lavender oil and water spray to kill existing mites. I have found this really works well. I repeat this spray after 2-3 days. I also then clean the vent area, using a very fine comb to remove any lice/mite eggs attached to the shafts around the vent.
5. Dust the hens with the Barrier Mite powder to stop re-infestation.
I'd repeat this process after about 2 weeks.
View attachment 2278750View attachment 2278751View attachment 2278752View attachment 2278753View attachment 2278754

 

[Susie Seagrave]

I live on a small Greek island and I can't get anything - very little is available from Greek suppliers on the internet, either, so yes - I ordered these products from Amazon.co.uk. There are some products they won't ship to Greece but these, they did!

 

[cmom]

Can you post the links?

 

[cmom]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=NETTEX+Mite+Kill+spray&ref=nb_sb_noss

 

[rosemarythyme]

If mite bites on you are an issue, or mites are getting into the house:

While treating the chickens I suggest keeping a dedicated set of chicken-only clothes, gloves, boots, etc. either in garage or shed, somewhere out of the house, and only use those around the chickens until treatment is done. Before going back into the house, check arms and legs carefully for any mites.

I also got some permethrin spray for use in the house, and sprayed all our muck boots, as well as hubby's office chair and the sofa.

Launder everything you've worn recently in hot water + hot dry. Launder your sheets as well. Even things like pillows... let them tumble in the dryer on high for at least 30 min. I even threw jackets in the dryer. If you happen to have rubbing alcohol to spare, my pest guy suggested spraying the mattress as well.

Continue vacuuming daily for a couple of days and make sure to empty out the vacuum/remove bags when done.

I know it seems like overkill but if you can get it under control with the chickens, the ones in the house should get eliminated/under control in the same time frame as long as you don't drag more in. Best of luck!