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.
Northeran Fowl Mites on Poultry
The northern fowl mite is the most serious pest attacking poultry, becoming more of a problem in cool weather. This pest spends its entire life on the bird, sucking blood and causing irritation. The entire life cycle of the mite can be completed is as little as a week. Most mites on the bird are located around the vent area (anal opening). During control procedures, it is very important to direct insecticide applications, with high pressure, to the vent area.
Mites are often noticed first on the eggs or are detected by egg handlers. Birds should be checked for mites by examining the base of feathers around the vent. Mites produce a rough and matted appearance of the feathers in this area because of a buildup of dried blood and mite feces.
Although mites spend their entire life cycle on the birds, they can live off the birds for several weeks, provided temperature and humidity are suitable. For this reason, a house vacated for less than three (3) weeks may have mites, which will infest newly placed birds. Mites also can be introduced into a house on egg flats or other equipment moved from an infested house.
Determining when to treat birds for mites requires consideration of several factors. If the birds are scheduled to be removed soon, treatment may not be economical. Mite populations build up faster on young birds than on older birds. Because mites are worse in cool weather, an infestation can be expected to increase in the fall and decrease in the spring.
The best choices for control are carbaryl or permethrin. Regardless which is used, high pressure is important as the feathers must be penetrated to reach the vent area. Permethrin is somewhat better because it is oil soluble and the birds' natural oils will result in better distribution.
Be sure to read pesticide labels carefully and observe all precautions.
Frequently Asked Question
I have treated my chickens several times for mites. They still have mites. Why?
Mites live on the skin of the birds. They also spend most of their time near the vent (anus) of the bird. To control mites, an insecticide should be applied from underneath the bird with sufficient pressure to penetrate the feathers.
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