Poultry Insect Pests
The poultry industry is Mississippi's leading agricultural industry. Any production problem in an industry this large will obviously have a large effect on the state's economy as well as on the industry itself.
One of the problems encountered is arthropod pests and the damage they cause. A number of arthropod pests attack poultry directly, living on the birds, sucking blood or feeding on the skin and feathers. Others are found in association with poultry and cause damage to poultry housing or, are a nuisance to people.
The most important parasitic arthropods on poultry are mites and lice. They can lower production of both meat and eggs. Both can be difficult and expensive to control. Other minor pest species, such as bedbugs, can cause significant problems on individual farms at times.
The lesser mealworm, also called "litter-beetle," is an insect that does not live on the bird or even feed on the bird. However, it is capable of damaging poultry housing because of its burrowing habit. Insulation in poultry housing can be virtually destroyed by the burrowing of this insect, greatly increasing energy costs.
The house fly is another insect that does not feed directly on poultry but can be the most costly pest of all. In large numbers the house fly can create problems for producers with regulatory agencies. Of no small concern are the problems house flies can create with the farm's neighbors and their lawyers.
Control of arthropod pests on poultry farms must be done as a routine part of farm management. An integrated program of monitoring, sanitation and timely use of pesticides will prevent costly pest outbreaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have treated my chickens several times for mites. They still have mites.
Publications
IS
331 --
External Parasites of Poultry
Northern
Fowl Mites on Poultry-Newsletter
