10 Red Mite facts that'll help improve your poultry hygiene

Red Mites are among the most difficult pests you can get as a poultry farmer. Red mites are parasites that live in poultry sheds and feed on hens’ blood while they sleep at night. Since they are tiny (up to 1mm) they can be exceedingly difficult to spot due to their size. They are yellow/brown in colour, apart from when they have just fed and then they are bright red (hence their name Red Mites).   

Red mites cause weakness, restlessness, increased feather pecking, changes in perching habits, anaemia and in severe cases death. They also can lead to reduced weight gain in broiler chickens and reduced egg quality in laying hens.  

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1. Red Mite, also known as poultry mites or chicken mites, are tiny parasitic arachnids that commonly infest poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

2. Red Mite feed on the blood of birds and can cause anaemia, stress, and reduced egg production in poultry.

3. These mites are most active at night, feeding on birds while they roost, and then hide in cracks and crevices during the day.

4. Red Mites can survive for several months without feeding, making them difficult to eradicate once established in a poultry house.

5. Infestations of Red Mite can lead to poultry becoming restless, agitated, and even developing feather loss due to constant scratching and discomfort.

6. Red Mite can also transmit diseases between birds, compromising the poultry flock's health.

7. Effective control measures for Red Mite in poultry houses include regular cleaning, disinfection, and the use of appropriate pest control products.

8. Red Mites can be monitored by placing white paper or cloth strips in the poultry house at night, as the mites will be attracted to these surfaces.

9. Red Mite infestations can be especially problematic during warmer months, as the increased temperature and humidity provide optimal conditions for their reproduction.

10. Early detection and prompt treatment of Red Mites are crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of poultry flocks.

Battling against Red Mite infestations is such a mammoth task as they are a massive inconvenience to poultry farmers, the best course of action is to treat and control the spread of them as soon as you can. By being more informed you can stay ahead of any potential problems. To further your knowledge and understanding of how best to control Red Mites, check out our Red Mite Pest Guide and our Red Mite Control Guide