Poultry Insect Pests
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.
