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Red Mite Control: A Practical Guide for Commercial Poultry Farmers
Red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are a major challenge for commercial poultry farms, causing stress, anaemia, reduced egg production, and higher disease risk. Fast to reproduce and able to survive months off the host, they’re difficult to eradicate once established.
Effective control isn’t about quick fixes, it requires routine monitoring, strict biosecurity, and targeted treatments. This guide highlights practical strategies to manage red mites and protect both flock health and farm productivity.
Understanding Red Mites
Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are nocturnal, blood-feeding ectoparasites that hide in cracks and crevices during the day and emerge at night to feed on birds. These mites thrive in warm, humid conditions, making infestations particularly severe during the warmer months. They cause considerable stress, irritation, anaemia, reduced egg production, poor feed conversion, and, in serious cases, increased mortality. They can also bite humans and other animals, leading to skin irritation and discomfort, and are known vectors of poultry pathogens.
A single female red mite can lay up to seven eggs after a blood meal, and the entire life cycle—from egg to adult—can be completed in just 7–10 days under optimal conditions. This rapid reproductive cycle enables population explosions in poorly sanitised environments or when control measures are delayed.
Monitoring & Early Detection
Inspect housing thoroughly at least once a week, focusing on common red mite hiding spots: beneath perches, inside nest boxes, in cracks or joints, under slats, and around conveyor belts. Use corrugated cardboard mite traps, sticky traps, or conduct regular inspections with a bright torch at night when mites are active.
Watch for clinical signs of infestation, including:
- Restlessness at night
- Pale combs or wattles
- Sudden drop in egg production
- Feather loss
- Avoidance of nest boxes or coops
Biosecurity & Prevention
Effective biosecurity is critical to limiting the introduction and spread of red mite infestations:
- Seal structural gaps: Repair and seal cracks, crevices, and joints in housing to reduce hiding spots and limit areas where mites can establish.
- Control external contamination: Prevent mite introduction through contaminated equipment, crates, and staff clothing by enforcing cleaning protocols and providing protective gear.
- Implement “all-in, all-out” systems: Where feasible, manage flocks in complete batches with full depopulation and thorough clean-outs between cycles to break the mite life cycle.
- Manage wild bird access: Exclude wild birds by securing entry points, removing nests, and keeping feed areas clean to reduce cross-contamination risk.
Cleaning & Disinfection
Thorough cleaning and disinfection between flocks is essential for controlling red mites and preventing reinfestation:
- Dry cleaning: Start by completely removing manure, litter, feathers, dust, and debris from the shed. Pay close attention to perches, slats, nest boxes, and all structural joints—these are common mite hotspots. Don’t forget equipment such as feeders, crates, and conveyors, which can also harbour mites.
- Washing: Follow with high-pressure washing using an appropriate poultry-safe detergent. This helps remove biofilm and organic matter, making disinfection more effective. Be thorough—mites often hide in overlooked areas, including ventilation ducts and behind equipment.
- Disinfection: Apply an approved disinfectants, acaricide or insecticide, ensuring rotation of active ingredients to avoid resistance. Pay special attention to structural joints, corners, and hidden crevices.
- Drying: Allow the facility to dry completely before restocking. A dry environment reduces mite survival and improves the effectiveness of residual treatments.
(Pictured Marvin) and the team at AWS are a great resource for advice on cleaning products and shed sanitation. They’re highly experienced with poultry environments and can recommend effective cleaners and disinfection protocols tailored to your setup.
Treatment Options
Managing red mite outbreaks during lay is challenging due to limited treatment options that are safe for poultry. However, effective tools are available and are best used in combination:
Exzolt (fluralaner) is a prescription-only in-water treatment with no egg withholding period in some countries (including New Zealand). It is highly effective when used at the correct dose and timing, offering systemic mite control with up to 12 weeks of protection.
Banshee is a natural essential oil-based deterrent that can be added to drinking water or misted in housing. While not a miticide, it alters mite behaviour and may reduce population pressure, especially when used alongside other controls.
Bioforce predatory mites (Stratiolaelaps spp.) have been used extensively and successfully in New Zealand as a form of biological control. These beneficial mites prey on red mites and help to suppress populations without chemicals. They’re especially useful in systems aiming to reduce chemical reliance or maintain residue-free production.
Osmoslay is a surfactant-based contact spray that targets mites directly on surfaces and in cracks. It works by disrupting the mite's outer waxy layer, leading to dehydration and death. Regular application to perches, nest boxes, and crevices can help reduce infestation load.
Record Keeping, Resistance Management & Staff Training
Successful red mite control relies on diligent monitoring and knowledgeable staff. Maintain detailed treatment records—including product name, application date, and batch number, and consistently record mite counts before and after each treatment to assess efficacy and detect patterns.
Rotating chemical classes is essential to slow the development of resistance and preserve long-term treatment effectiveness.
Equally important is staff education. Ensure all personnel are trained to identify early signs of infestation and are confident in applying control measures safely and correctly. Emphasise the welfare implications red mites cause considerable pain, irritation, and stress to birds, leading to drops in productivity and overall health. Well-informed, proactive staff are key to maintaining effective and sustainable control on commercial farms.