Mite infestations in poultry vary from a nuisance to causing death depending on the severity of infestation. These ectoparasites reduce production of laying hens and cause decreased feed intake and weight loss. Other visible indications of mite infestations may include dirty feathers, scabs and pinkish combs. Any signs of mites on a show bird will usually result in disqualification by the judge.

Mites are most commonly transferred to chickens, turkeys and gamebirds through wild birds such as sparrows, starlings, swallows and pigeons roosting or nesting in the poultry house. Because visiting birds can transfer deadly diseases and parasites, try to prevent wild birds from resting or roosting in your small flock’s house. Rodents have also been known to transfer mites to poultry. Mites can live off the host for several weeks to months; thus, clothes, hands and egg flats are minor sources of mite transfer. County and state fairs, or anytime a bird from your flock comes into contact with other birds, should be considered another means of mite transfer. Early detection of mites by regular monitoring of the flock is the best control of mite infestation. Microscopic evaluation and differentiation of an actual mite from your birds is the most accurate way of determining the type of infestation and, therefore, appropriate treatment. Once the mite has been identified, an appropriate treatment can be determined. These treatments may involve spraying pesticides and chemicals on birds, nests, litter or in the building.

Northern Fowl Mites
Northern fowl mites are found on the birds usually in the winter and cooler months of fall and spring. They are very small and brown or light red in color. The vent area is the specific site of infestation, but males tend to have a more scattered infestation. The vent area will appear dusty or dirty, which is caused by the mite castings. Caged layers should be sprayed or dusted from underneath the cage in order to penetrate the vent feathers. For an effective treatment, spray two times with half doses, thirty minutes apart, to ensure that the vent region has been thoroughly saturated with the appropriate pesticide. Floor birds with northern fowl mite infestations can be bunched into a corner and treated with the same spray techniques, again, aimed at the vent area. For very small flocks, simply dipping each bird in a tank of the full dose spray mixture can be very effective.

Chicken Mites
The red chicken mite is more difficult to identify and treat because the mites are usually only on the birds at night. They are small and grey in color, but may appear red if they have filled with blood after feeding on the bird. The best treatment involves cleaning and disinfecting the poultry house. Mites can be located along cracks and crevices of the roost areas and poultry house, and eliminated by spraying pesticides in these infested areas two or three times for several weeks. Spray roosts and other equipment in the house. Remove nesting material and spray nest boxes inside and out. Allow time for drying before adding new nesting material.

Scaly Leg Mites
Scaly leg mites are tiny, round, flat-bodied mites that can be found under the scales of the infested bird’s feet and lower legs. They burrow under the skin, causing the legs to look aged, swollen and deformed. If left untreated, the skin will crack and may cripple the bird. Treatment involves dipping the legs in linseed oil and wiping them clean, then coat with petroleum jelly. Pesticides can be mixed (at spray dilution rates) with medicinal oils and applied topically to infected areas. These techniques should be repeated once or twice a week for several weeks. Do not use fuel oil, kerosene, motor oil, or other petroleum products on the birds at any time. Most poultry judges consider a scaly leg mite infestation to indicate a lack of proper management by the exhibitor.

Depluming Mites
Depluming mites are closely related and similar in appearance to scaly leg mites. They infest the bird’s skin at the base of the feathers and are most common in small, noncommercial flocks. As with scaly leg mites, once on the host they seldom leave. Their feeding activity causes intense itching to which the infested bird responds by picking at the mites and plucking feathers from the infested sites. Self-depluming and apparent molting at the wrong time of year may indicate infestation by depluming mites. Secondary problems that may be associated with depluming mites are bacterial skin infections and cannibalism.

No insecticide is labeled specifically for control of depluming mites, but the permethrin spray and dust (or bird dipping) treatments used to control northern fowl mites may also control depluming mites.

Treatments
All product labels must be read and followed for effective treatment of target pests, appropriate use in management practices and to avoid contamination of feed, water and eggs.