If you’ve ever raised chickens, you know mites can be one of the most frustrating parasites to deal with. These tiny pests live on your birds and in the coop, feeding on blood and causing irritation, feather loss, decreased egg production, anemia, and in severe cases, even death. The good news is, with a clear plan, mites can be treated and kept under control.
Recognizing Mite Infestations
Common signs of mites include:
- Chickens scratching or over-preening
- Bald or irritated patches, especially under wings or around the vent
- Pale combs and wattles (from blood loss)
- Crusty legs or raised scales (for scaly leg mites)
- Tiny dark specks crawling on feathers or roosts at night
Catching an infestation early makes treatment much easier.
Step 1: Treat the Birds
The first step is to directly target the mites on your chickens.
-
Permethrin Dust or Spray
Widely used, affordable, and very effective. Apply under the wings, around the vent, and along the back and neck. Avoid eyes and nostrils. -
Elector PSP (Spinosad)
Considered one of the safest and most powerful treatments. Can be diluted and applied as a spray or dip. More expensive, but highly effective against resistant mite populations. -
Ivermectin (Off-Label Use)
Some poultry keepers use ivermectin drops on the skin. It’s not officially approved for chickens, so withdrawal times for eggs aren’t established, but many report success with it.
Step 2: Treat the Coop & Environment
Treating just the birds won’t solve the problem — the mites in the coop will simply hop back on.
- Deep Clean: Remove all bedding, scrape droppings, and wash down surfaces.
- Disinfect: Spray roosts, nest boxes, walls, and cracks with permethrin spray or Elector PSP.
- Fresh Bedding: Replace with clean shavings or straw.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Works best as a preventative in dust baths and bedding, but not as a sole treatment.
Step 3: Prevention & Ongoing Care
- Dust Baths: Provide a dry area mixed with wood ash or DE so chickens can naturally deter mites.
- Routine Checks: Examine your flock every couple of weeks, especially in warm months.
- Repeat Treatments: Most mite treatments need repeating after 7–10 days to kill any newly hatched mites.
Step 4: When to Call a Vet
Seek veterinary help if:
- Birds are lethargic, losing weight, or have pale combs from anemia
- You’ve treated multiple times without success
- You suspect scaly leg mites that aren’t responding to treatment
Step-by-Step Mite Treatment Plan
Day 1
- Treat all birds with permethrin dust/spray or Elector PSP
- Completely clean and spray down the coop
- Replace bedding
Day 7–10
- Repeat treatment on birds and coop to break the mite life cycle
Ongoing
- Provide dust baths
- Check birds routinely
- Keep coop clean and well-ventilated
Final Takeaway
The best way to beat mites is to treat both the chickens and their environment at the same time. Follow-up treatments are crucial — if you only treat once, mites will return when eggs hatch. With a consistent approach, you can clear an infestation and keep your flock comfortable and healthy.