WHAT TO DO FOR LEG MITES ON CHICKENS

[Heron's Nest Farm]

I do not use chemicals.
*create dust bath areas with DE, wood ash, a little lime and dirt
*clean coop out thoroughly and spray all wood areas with neem oil and spinosad (both organically approved)2 times 7 days apart
*wash legs with soapy water, rinse and dry. Coat with olive oil every day for a week.
*On day 7 mix neem oil, garlic and a little olive oli and coat legs after wash
*repeat until you have conquereed, going a few extra days to be SURE

The oil will suffocate the mites. The neem repels, but too much is toxic so just once every 7 days is my suggestion.

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

I NEVER advocate Sevin!

YES YOU ARE RIGHT
I USEDTO PUT
AGRCULTURAL LIME
AN FEEL THAT
DIATOMACEOS EARH FOOD GRADE IS GOOD
ONY REMEMBER DO NOT BREATH IN DE AS IT IS BAD FOR THE LUNGS
THANKS FOR REMINDING ME
I TOOK IT OFF THE ARTICLE
WE HAVE TO THINK HEALTH WISE HERE

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

here is an excellent site with pictures and explanation of mites
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/08/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification.html

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

Chicken Mites (Bird Mites)

Dermanyssus gallinae

Chicken mites, also known as bird mites, get their common name because they live on the skin of a wide variety of birds, but especially chickens. They become structural pests when they migrate from bird nests into buildings and attack humans. They are found throughout the United States and worldwide.
Pest Stats

Color

Nearly white when unfed, bright red when recently fed, or gray to black with blood meal partially digested
Legs

8
Shape

Oval, flattened from top to bottom, not hard-shelled
Size

1/32” (0.75-1+ mm)
Antennae

No
Region

Found throughout U.S.
Chicken mites, also known as bird mites, get their common name because they live on the skin of a wide variety of birds, but especially chickens. They become structural pests when they migrate from bird nests into buildings and attack humans. They are found throughout the United States and worldwide.
Pest Stats

Color

Nearly white when unfed, bright red when recently fed, or gray to black with blood meal partially digested
Legs

8
Shape

Oval, flattened from top to bottom, not hard-shelled
Size

1/32” (0.75-1+ mm)
Antennae

No
Region

Found throughout U.S.
Habits

Chicken mites feed primarily at night, after which the mite drops off of the host.
Habitat

Chicken mites most often live and feed on pigeons, sparrows, starlings and chickens. Chicken mites often migrate indoors from an abandoned nest. They enter through window frames or attics. Chicken mites can also be introduced via pet birds such as canaries or on gerbils from pet stores where an infestation has occurred.
Threats

Chicken mites have been implicated in the transmission of St. Louis encephalitis, but their role in the transmission of the disease is not known. Chicken mites can cause painful skin irritation on humans.
Chicken Mite Prevention

Looking to get rid of bird mites or chicken mites? If you own or handle birds, keep the coops and bedding clean and inspect the flock regularly for signs of an infestation. Do not handle bird nests on your property, even after the birds have vacated the nest. If you have pets that spend time outdoors, inspect them regularly as they can become chicken mite carriers. Inspect second-hand furniture carefully before bringing indoors, as mites can be transported in bedding, furniture, and carpeting. If you see signs of a chicken mite infestation in your home, contact a bird mite control professional to identify the source - often a bird's nest in or near your home - and treat the infestation. If you have an infestation, launder bedding and clothing in hot water. Consult with a physician for proper treatment of chicken mite bites.
Find a Pest Control Professional

 

[casportpony]

I do not use chemicals.
*create dust bath areas with DE, wood ash, a little lime and dirt
*clean coop out thoroughly and spray all wood areas with neem oil and spinosad (both organically approved)2 times 7 days apart
*wash legs with soapy water, rinse and dry. Coat with olive oil every day for a week.
*On day 7 mix neem oil, garlic and a little olive oli and coat legs after wash
*repeat until you have conquereed, going a few extra days to be SURE

The oil will suffocate the mites. The neem repels, but too much is toxic so just once every 7 days is my suggestion.

Isn't spinosad a chemical?

 

[Heron's Nest Farm]

Quote:
Spinosad is naturally derived, as is neem. both are in line with the National Organic Program (NOP).

 

[casportpony]

Quote:
Spinosad is naturally derived, as is neem. both are in line with the National Organic Program (NOP).

Thanks! Do you happen to know the name of one that can be used in organic chicken operations?

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

What is spinosad?

Spinosad is a natural substance made by a soil bacterium that can be toxic to insects. It is a mixture of two chemicals called spinosyn A and spinosyn D. It is used to control a wide variety of pests. These include thrips, leafminers, spider mites, mosquitoes, ants, fruit flies and others.

Spinosad has been registered for use in pesticides by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 1997.

What are some products that contain spinosad?

Currently, spinosad is found in over 80 registered pesticide products. Many of these are used on agricultural crops and ornamental plants. Others are used in and around buildings, in aquatic settings, and as seed treatments.

These products are commonly sprays, dusts, granules, and pellets. Some of these products are approved for use in organic agriculture.

Spinosad is also found in some drugs regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are used to control head lice on people and fleas on dogs and cats.

Always follow label instructions and take steps to avoid exposure. If any exposures occur, be sure to follow the First Aid instructions on the product label carefully. For additional treatment advice,

contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. If you wish to discuss a pesticide problem, please call 1-800-858-7378.

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

Has anyone studied non-cancer effects from long-term exposure to spinosad?

In one study, dogs were fed low doses of spinosad for one year. Effects to gland and immune cells and increases in some proteins and fats in the blood were observed.

Scientists have also tested whether spinosad causes developmental or reproductive effects in rats and rabbits. In these studies, animals were fed low to moderate doses daily throughout their lives
or during their pregnancies.

Effects were only observed at the highest doses. These included lower body weights and effects to some organs.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding, more difficult labors, and abortions were also observed in some pregnant animals at the highest doses tested. No direct effects to their offspring occurred at any dose level.

The EPA limits the levels of pesticides, including spinosad, allowed on food. Due to this, it is unlikely that individuals would be exposed to spinosad at levels this high through their diet.

 

[Glenda Heywoodo]

What happens to spinosad in the environment?

Spinosad is broken down rapidly by sunlight. In the presence of sunlight, half-lives on leaves are 2 to 16 days and less than one day in water. When applied to leaves, some spinosad can be absorbed. However, it does not readily spread from leaves to the rest of the plant. In the absence of sunlight, spinosad breaks down very slowly in water. Half-lives of more than 30 days to 259 days have been reported. However, it binds rapidly to sediment. The halflife in sediment, where no oxygen is available, ranges from 161 to 250 days.

Spinosad also sticks to soil and has a very low potential to move through soil towards ground water. In field studies, no break down products of spinosad were found below a soil depth of two feet. In the top layers of soil, spinosad is rapidly broken down by microbes. Soil half-lives of 9 to 17 days have been reported. After it is applied, spinosad is not likely to become airborne.

Can spinosad affect birds, fish, or other wildlife?

Spinosad is practically non-toxic to moderately toxic to fish depending on the species. It is slightly to moderately toxic to aquatic invertebrates. However, spinosad is very highly toxic to eastern oysters. Spinosad is practically non-toxic to slightly toxic to birds, based on studies with bobwhite quail and mallard ducks. It is moderately toxic to earthworms.

Spinosad is very highly toxic to bees. However, evidence suggests that spinosad has little or no effect on honey bees and other beneficial insects after sprays have dried.