Adult red mite killed by freezing cold, but the first red mite eggs are already hatching due to the rising temperatures
The freezing cold of last week has killed many of the adult red mites. With adult mites we mean the red mites that have already sucked blood. However, red mite eggs can withstand the freezing cold. And where adult mites are, there are at least 8 times as many mites eggs. Because an adult red mite lays on average about 8 new eggs per day. And these eggs hatch at temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius. Especially with the predicted warm temperatures of above 15 degrees.
Red mite eggs can hatch three years later
Did you know that red mite eggs can wait years to hatch? There are several experiences of chicken enthusiasts who put an old coop that was empty for years back into use and immediately had to contend with a large red mite outbreak. This is because the eggs of red mites can still hatch three years later. Especially when they feel the vibrations of those chickens. That is why it is always important to hang up a red mite test and to check it weekly in winter and several times a week from temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius.
Important to check red mite test
Have you already placed a red mite test under the perch and placed it in the laying nest? Normally we advise to check this weekly. But at these warmer temperatures, it is good to do this daily. Because the sooner you spot the first red mites, the sooner you can start tackling them. After they have sucked blood, red mites look for a place as close to the chicken as possible where they can build their nest, where the chicken cannot eat them. That is why the test tube under the perch is the most ideal place to build a nest. Don’t have a red mite test yet? Then now is the time to hang it up. View the red mite test here.
How can you prevent red mites?
Red mites often enter the coop through newly bought chickens or through wild birds. Prevention is almost impossible. However, you can take a number of measures to make the chickens and the hen house as unattractive as possible for red mites. You do this in the following way:
- Hang up a red mite test
Only with a red mite test can you quickly recognize an outbreak. Red mites are only active at night, so you only see them in large numbers during the day. Only then are there so many that treatment takes much longer. By checking the mite test daily, you know when to start treating the chickens. For example with Finecto + Oral in the feed.
- Prepare a dust bath for the chickens
Here they can take a nice bath. The bathing sand gets stuck between the feathers, which has a repellent effect on red mites. It is also good for the plumage. Finecto + Bath will be released soon. This is mineral-based bathing sand with a grain size of 0.09 mm. This grain size has been specially developed for an optimal effect and less dust. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about this new product!
- Keep the chicken coop dry
Red mites like a warm, moist environment. Make sure the cage stays dry. Let it air regularly. Open it during the day on dry days. Refresh the bedding regularly.
- Spray the coop with a environment spray
A cage spray prevents newly hatched larvae from reaching the chicken to suck blood. They cannot lay new eggs without blood. It is therefore important that you thoroughly spray the way the red mite takes to the perch every three weeks with Finecto + Protect. Tip: put the Finecto + Protect in a pressure spray. This sprays large surfaces more easily.
Have you noticed red mites? Then the spray alone is not enough. Adult red mites can walk over this. Then also add Finecto + Oral to the feed.
- Install oil trays under the perch
By attaching the perch to a red mite oil tray, red mites must first go through the oil bath to get to the perch. Red mites cannot tolerate oil. Because of this they will be fought. However, the pitfall with these oil basins is that they are sensitive to dust. When there is a layer of dust on the oil, the red mites can still walk over the oil tray towards the chickens. Therefore, change the oil weekly and check that there is no layer of dust or other dirt on it.
We will soon be introducing new red mite oil trays which are easy to clean. Because you can click the perch off the oil cups. This allows you to easily reach the trays. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about these new red mite trays.
- Clean the coop with a high-pressure cleaner
It is good to clean the chicken coop with a pressure washer. Do this when the weather gets warm so that the loft dries faster. Do not forget to spray the coop afterwards with the protect spray. A high-pressure spray ensures that the eggs are washed away and that any adult red mites drown.
- Broody chicken? Place tobacco stems in the laying nest
Tobacco stems only work as a deterrent if a chicken is in one place for a long time. This is the case with hens that are brooding. Do you have a broody chicken? Then put tobacco stems in the nest.
