Red Mite

The Control of Red Mite

There are four basic parts to any control programme.

1. Cultural control. Elimination of harbourages by sealing joints in nestboxes and feeders.
2. Good personnel hygiene within the work force to prevent the spread of mites between sites.
3. Regular monitoring of mite populations and the prompt localised treatment of any mite hotspots.
4. Traditional chemical control treatments.

Red mites are able to survive rigorous cleaning and disinfection programmes enabling them to infest subsequent flocks. Because the total exclusion of mites by the removal of harbourages is impractical it is likely that the reliance on chemical control agents will continue. The red mite is not usually seen in battery systems.

A Strategy for Red Mite Control

When the flock and manure has been removed the house should be thoroughly cleaned using a power washer or steam cleaner. Remove as many of the internal
fittings as practical to ensure good cleaning.

Red mite occur naturally in the nests and roosts of wild birds so these should be discouraged in the immediate vicinity of the poultry house.

Any obvious harbourages, especially around nesting boxes and feeders) should be removed or sealed.

After washing and when the poultry house is dry a thorough treatment with an approved pesticide to the walls and floor paying particular attention to all cracks and crevices should be carried out with an appropriate sprayer.

Birds should only be sourced from breeder stocks that are certified to be free of red mite and care should be taken to ensure transport and staff is not carrying mites following exposure at other sites.

Maintain routine weekly monitoring in all houses to enable spot treatments to be carried out where mites are found.

Battery Hens