Control - Red bird mites

Mite control
The red mite is the most common and economically significant ectoparasite in poultry farming. Infested birds are stressed and more susceptible to disease. Severe infestations lead to anemia. The mortality rate of hens increases. A high percentage of laying hen houses are affected. High mite pressure leads to lower egg production and reduced egg quality. Poultry mites reproduce very rapidly at temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius, and explosively in summer. Within a week, the population increases by at least 40 times its original size.

For targeted mite control, it is important to have detailed knowledge of these arachnids. The mite goes through several stages of full development. After hatching from the egg, the bird mite develops from a six-legged larva to an eight-legged bird mite after several molts.
To do this, it requires at least four meals of poultry blood. The entire development depends on temperature and takes between four and 12 days. No development occurs below 9 degrees Celsius. The mites, measuring 0.7 mm (males) and 1.1 mm (females), usually seek out the chickens at night to suck blood. During the day, they hide in cracks, crevices, and under perches. The red poultry mite can survive for up to nine months without food.

The most effective treatment is with the preparations
ADELE Mite-free & GUSTAV Mite Stop

ADELE Mite-free

An aqueous solution, made from purely organic vegetable oil, works by blocking the mites' breathing holes. The preparation is sprayed onto the affected areas using a sprayer. The mites suffocate immediately, and the nits are damaged. No artificial additives are added.

GUSTAV Mite Stop

A gel-like, hygroscopic liquid, made entirely from organic vegetable oil, never dries out. It is sprayed or coated onto the perch support areas, as well as cracks and crevices. GUSTAV is an insurmountable obstacle for the mites. The remaining mites can no longer access the chickens at night and die upon contact.

Both products are non-toxic and odorless. They can therefore be used safely in occupied stables. The development of resistance is impossible. Both preparations are water-soluble and can be easily washed off.

Treatment options
Chemical

The mites are killed with an active substance (poison). However, this treatment method should not be used, as the active substance also
is ingested by the chickens. Furthermore, mites can develop resistance to active ingredients.

Application of silicates

When in contact with the mites, they damage their outer shell with silicate dust and dry them out. Stable equipment and cracks are cleaned with
Coated with silicate dust. It is applied before the animals are housed. The dust remains effective for a certain period of time. After a few months, its effectiveness can diminish significantly. The fine dust is inhaled by the animal owner, enters the lungs, and can cause damage. It is recommended that a dust mask (at least FFP2) be worn in the stable for at least four weeks after application.

Use of predatory mites

which are placed in the stable, the predatory mites eat bird mites. Constant observation is necessary.
Additional predatory mites may be used. When using predatory mites, no other preparations may be used. Their use is expensive.
Herbal extracts are given to the chickens via the drinking water. These extracts are intended to make the chickens’ blood more attractive to the mites.
inedible. However, this method is not very effective.