How to Treat Mites in Poultry: A Complete Guide

What Are Poultry Mites?

Mites are tiny external parasites that feed on the blood, skin, or feathers of your chickens. Left untreated, a mite infestation can cause anemia, feather loss, reduced egg production, and in severe cases, death — especially in young or already-stressed birds.

The two most common types you'll encounter in backyard flocks are:

• Northern Fowl Mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) — Lives on the bird full-time. Look for clusters of dark mites and soiled, matted feathers around the vent area.
• Red Poultry Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) — Hides in cracks and crevices of the coop during the day and feeds on birds at night. Check roosts and nest boxes after dark with a flashlight.

How to Identify a Mite Infestation

Catching mites early makes treatment much easier. Watch for these signs:

• Restless birds, especially at night
• Pale combs and wattles (a sign of anemia)
• Feather loss, particularly around the vent, back, and neck
• Dirty, matted feathers near the vent
• Tiny moving specks on the skin or in coop crevices
• Drop in egg production

To confirm, part the feathers near the vent and base of the tail. With Northern Fowl Mites, you'll see mites and dark debris (fecal matter and dried blood) on the skin. For Red Mites, inspect roost bars and nest box corners — you may see grayish or reddish specks clustered in cracks.

Treatment Options

On the Birds

Treat each bird individually for the best results. Options include:

• Permethrin — One of the most effective and widely available treatments. Apply to the vent area, under the wings, and around the neck. Repeat in 7–10 days to break the egg cycle. We carry Permethrin 10%, 8 oz. for direct application.
• Pyrethrin-based sprays — A natural alternative. Our Pen & Poultry Insecticide Spray is a ready-to-use option for birds and coop surfaces.
• Spinosad (Elector PSP) — A highly effective option that disrupts the mite's nervous system. Apply directly to the bird and to coop surfaces. We carry Elector PSP, 8 oz. — one of the gold-standard treatments available.
• Livestock Dust — Gordon's Dairy & Livestock Dust can be worked into the feathers, especially around the vent and under the wings, for effective contact kill.
• Diatomaceous Earth (DE) — Supportive, not curative on its own. Add Safer Home Diatomaceous Earth to your flock's dust bath to help deter mites. Do not rely on DE alone for an active infestation.
• First Saturday Lime — First Saturday Lime Insect Repellent can be applied to coop floors and surfaces as a preventive and supportive treatment. It's safe for use around birds and livestock.

In the Coop

Treating the birds without treating the coop is a losing battle — especially with Red Mites.

1. Remove all bedding and dispose of it away from the coop.
2. Scrub roost bars, nest boxes, and walls with hot soapy water.
3. Apply a permethrin spray or Elector PSP to all surfaces, paying close attention to cracks and joints where mites hide.
4. Dust coop floors with First Saturday Lime or food-grade DE.
5. Allow the coop to dry completely before adding fresh bedding.
6. Repeat treatment in 7–10 days.

The Role of Bedding: Why Hemp Is a Natural Mite Resistor

Not all bedding is created equal when it comes to mite prevention. Hemp bedding stands out as one of the best natural options for flock keepers dealing with — or trying to prevent — mite pressure.

Hemp hurd (the woody core of the hemp stalk) has naturally low moisture retention, which creates an inhospitable environment for mites and other parasites that thrive in damp, compacted bedding. It also has inherent antimicrobial properties and stays drier longer than pine shavings or straw, reducing the conditions mites need to reproduce.

We carry Green Fox Hemp Hurd Animal Bedding — a clean, dust-low option that's excellent for coops, nest boxes, and brooder setups. Switching to hemp bedding won't eliminate an active infestation on its own, but it's one of the smartest long-term prevention moves you can make.

Nesting Herbs: A Natural Layer of Protection

Adding pest-repellent herbs to your nest boxes is a simple, low-effort way to deter mites naturally. Many herbs — including lavender, mint, and rosemary — have properties that mites find unappealing.

Roosty's Nesting Herbs - Pest Repellent For Coops is formulated specifically to repel pests in the coop environment. Tuck a handful into nest boxes and refresh monthly. It won't replace treatment during an active infestation, but it's a great addition to your ongoing prevention routine.

Prevention Going Forward

Once you've cleared an infestation, keep it from coming back:

• Monthly inspections — Make it a habit to check your flock and coop at least once a month, especially during warm months when mites thrive.
• Dust bathing access — Ensure birds always have access to a dry dust bath. Add food-grade DE or wood ash to the mix.
• Hemp bedding — Switch to or incorporate hemp hurd bedding to reduce moisture and create a less hospitable environment for mites.
• Nesting herbs — Refresh pest-repellent herbs in nest boxes monthly.
• First Saturday Lime — Apply monthly to coop floors as a preventive measure.
• Quarantine new birds — Always quarantine new additions for at least 2–3 weeks before introducing them to your flock.
• Seal coop cracks — Red Mites love to hide in gaps. Caulk or seal crevices in roost bars and nest boxes.

A Note on Egg Withdrawal

If you're treating laying hens, check the label of any product you use for egg withdrawal periods. Permethrin-based products typically have no required withdrawal period when used as directed, but always verify with the specific product label and consult your veterinarian if you're unsure.

When to Call a Vet

If birds are severely anemic, lethargic, or not responding to treatment after two rounds, it's time to loop in a poultry veterinarian. Severe infestations can require prescription-strength treatments and supportive care.

Staying on top of mite prevention is one of the best things you can do for your flock's long-term health. A little vigilance goes a long way — and your birds will thank you for it.