Many people have red mites, which can be very bad for backyard chicken flocks and commercial poultry operations. However, it can be hard to find these tiny, sneaky parasites. In this full guide, we’ll talk about what red mites look like, where they hide, and how to tell if you have an infestation.
What Are Red Mites?
Red mites, also known as chicken mites or roost mites, are a type of external parasite that feeds on the blood of chickens, turkeys, and other birds Their scientific name is Dermanyssus gallinae During the day, red mites hide in cracks and crevices around the coop. At night, they emerge to crawl onto sleeping chickens and take a blood meal.
Red Mite Appearance and Behavior
Adult red mites are very small, usually less than 1 mm in length. They have an oval body shape and 8 legs. After feeding, red mites appear reddish-brown due to ingesting blood. Unfed mites are more grey or yellowish in color. Red mites move slowly and deliberately, often traveling along perches and walls to reach their host. They tend to congregate in clusters around the vent, breast, legs, and underside of wings.
Red mites go through several life stages each with a slightly different appearance
- Eggs – Tiny, oval, translucent white, around 0.5 mm long
- Larvae – 6 legs, whitish-translucent, smallest mobile stage
- Nymphs – 8 legs, pale yellow-brown, larger with each molt
- Adults – 8 legs, red-brown after feeding, ~1 mm long
Where Do Red Mites Hide?
During the day, red mites conceal themselves in dark, humid areas inside the coop and around roosting areas. Common hiding spots include:
- Cracks and crevices in wood
- Undersides of perches
- Inside nesting boxes
- Under loose coop flooring
- In litter and bedding
- Behind feeders and waterers
Red mites can squeeze into extremely narrow spaces and cracks due to their flattened bodies. They prefer areas that are sheltered, warm, and close to the host birds.
How to Identify Red Mites
Checking for red mites takes patience and a close inspection. Here are some tips:
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Check at night—When mites are active, use a flashlight to check birds that are sleeping. Part feathers gently to view the skin.
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Check the perches. Use a white cloth to wipe the perches clean and look for red spots or moving mites.
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Use traps – Place rolls of tape or cardboard inside PVC tubes under perches to capture mites.
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Look for clusters—Look for groups of small moving dots around the vent, breast, and underside of wings.
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Watch for symptoms – Note increased preening, weight loss, decreased egg production, lethargy.
A magnifying glass may be needed to distinguish the tiny, slow-moving mites. Repeated checks are needed since populations can fluctuate. Isolate and treat any infested birds immediately.
How to Distinguish from Other Pests
It’s important to accurately identify red mites versus other common pests:
- Northern fowl mites – Stay on birds 24/7 unlike red mites
- Lice – Tend to be larger and avoid light unlike red mites
- Fleas – Larger and can jump, not as slow-moving as red mites
- Bed bugs – Red mites have longer legs and different body shape
Examining the pests closely with a magnifying glass can help discern key differences in size, shape, and behavior. An integrated pest management approach is needed to control red mites while preventing other pests.
Take Action Against Red Mites
If you spot red mites in your coop, take immediate steps to eradicate them before they spread and impact flock health. Treatment methods include sprays, dusts, heating or freezing the coop, and addressing hiding spots. Prevent reinfestation by sealing cracks, removing roosts, keeping the coop clean, and quarantining new birds.
Catching and accurately identifying a red mite infestation early is crucial. By understanding what to look for, you can protect your flock from these voracious pests. Be vigilant and keep a close eye on your birds and coop to keep red mites from creeping back in!
Poultry Red Mite – Pesky Persistent Parasites
- If there are a lot of bugs in the coop, the hens might not use the nest box or come inside at night.
- Mite poop that looks like gray ash that is found in cracks and under perches
- There are live red mites inside and outside the house that glow in the dark.
- Birds have jaundiced faces and wattles and look like they aren’t getting enough blood.
- Depressed birds, very lethargic, loss of weight
- Decreased egg production coupled with increased feed intake
- There are dark spots and dots on the eggs. These could be blood spots, or if you look closely, you might see the spots move.
- In extreme cases, feather loss and signs of dermatitis
- If you can’t find any physical signs of red mites, don’t assume that they are the problem. Sometimes sick hens show the same symptoms no matter what the cause is!
How I FINALLY Got Rid of Poultry Red Mite
FAQ
How do you know if you have red mites?
Red mites that have had a blood meal will show up as tiny red specks or cluster of red specks. Red mites that have not fed overnight are grey, almost dust-like and harder to spot.
What kills red mites instantly?
You can use a blowtorch on the cracks and crevices of the coop to kill red mites right away, but be careful not to damage the plastic parts. Alternatively, a diluted bleach solution or very hot water can be used for cleaning, but thorough drying is essential according to Dalton Engineering. The British Hen Welfare Trust says that an all-natural powder called diatomaceous earth can also be used to kill mites by scratching their shell.
Are red mites harmful to humans?
While many red mites are harmless to humans, some, like the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae), can cause skin irritation and itching due to bites.
How do I get rid of little red mites?
If you spot mites in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to vacuum them up. Make sure to empty the vacuum away from buildings. Indoor pesticides are usually not needed. If the infestation is so bad that you feel you need it, choose a pesticide specifically for indoor use and specifically for mites.