If your chickens are suddenly restless at night, laying fewer eggs, or seem unusually itchy, they might be dealing with a dreaded enemy:Ā red mites. These tiny bloodsucking pests can quickly become a nightmare for both you and your flock.
Donāt panicāweāve got you covered with everything you need to know about what red mites are, how to spot them, and most importantly, how to treat and prevent infestations.
š·ļø What Are Red Mites?
Red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae), also known as poultry mites, are tiny external parasites that feed on the blood of chickensāmainly at night. By day, they hide in cracks and crevices in the coop, nesting boxes, and perches.
Hereās what makes them so tricky:
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Theyāre tiny (0.5ā1mm), grey when unfed, and red when full of blood
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They multiply fastāa full life cycle takes just 7 days
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They can survive for months without feeding, making them incredibly persistent
š How to Spot Red Mite Infestations
Mild infestations often go unnoticed until things get worse, so itās important to check regularly.
Signs your chickens may have red mites:
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Reluctance to go into the coop at night
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Pale combs and wattles (from blood loss)
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Reduced egg laying
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Chickens scratching or pecking at themselves
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Restlessness on the perch
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Weight loss or lethargy
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Blood spots on eggs or feathers
How to check for mites:
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Inspect perches, corners, and nest boxes at night with a flashlight
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Run a white tissue or paper towel along the perchāred streaks may indicate squashed mites
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Look under perches for grey dust or clusters (mite nests)
š§ Pro tip: Red mites feed on your chickens while they sleepāso theyāre often invisible during the day.
š ļø How to Treat Red Mites
Once youāve confirmed an infestation, itās time to take actionāquickly and thoroughly.
Step 1: Deep Clean the Coop
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Remove all bedding and nesting material
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Scrape and scrub every surface, especially cracks and corners
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Use a mite-killing coop cleaner or disinfectant (Smite)
Step 2: Apply Mite Treatments
There are several types of treatments available:
š§ Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
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A natural powder that damages mitesā exoskeletons
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Sprinkle it in nesting boxes, coop floors, and perches
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Also lightly dust chickens (avoid face)
š Permethrin Sprays or Powders
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A synthetic insecticide that kills mites on contact
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Safe for chickens when used as directed
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Apply to both chickens and the coop (follow withdrawal periods)
š§Ŗ Poultry-Safe Mite Sprays (like Smite Professional)
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Effective and easy to use
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Target mites at all life stages
šļø Change Bedding Frequently
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Use mite-repelling bedding like hemp or pine shavings
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Avoid straw, which can hide mites
Step 3: Treat the Chickens
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Dust birds with DE or permethrin powder under wings, around vents, and between feathers
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Repeat treatments every 5ā7 days to kill newly hatched mites
š Repeat & Monitor
Red mites are stubborn! You may need to treat multiple times over several weeks to break the life cycle.
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Check perches every few days
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Keep the coop clean and dry
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Use ongoing mite deterrents like DE, mite blocks, or natural sprays
š”ļø How to Prevent Red Mites
Prevention is easier than treatment. Hereās how to keep mites at bay:
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š Clean the coop weekly
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š§ Dust bedding and perches with DE Powder
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š± Use herbal mite repellents like garlic, lavender, or mint
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š§½ Seal cracks and gaps in your coop where mites can hide
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š Quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock
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āļø Let the coop dry out in the sun after deep cleaning
š” Mites hate dry, well-ventilated environmentsāso keep things clean and dry!
šØ When to Call a Vet
If your chickens are severely infested, anaemic, or just not bouncing back after treatment, consult a poultry vet. In some cases, prescription treatments may be necessary.
š Final Thoughts
Red mites are sneaky, fast breeders, and incredibly persistentābut with regular coop maintenance, good hygiene, and proactive monitoring, you can keep them under control.
A healthy, happy flock starts with a clean coop and a sharp eye for the signs. Donāt let the mites wināyour chooks deserve better!
Need red mite treatments or want to build a mite-proof coop setup? Chook Manor has everything you needāfrom sprays and powders to cleaning tools and advice.Ā
Shop Red Mite & Lice Control here
ā The Chook Manor Team šš§¼
