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RED MITE
RED MITE
Red mites, also known as chicken mites or poultry mites, are small parasitic arachnids that belong to the family Macronyssidae. They are external parasites that feed on the blood of birds and other animals. While they are commonly associated with poultry, they can infest a variety of avian species, including wild birds and pet birds.
Red mites are tiny in size, barely visible to the naked eye, and reddish-brown in color when engorged with blood. They have a flattened body shape and feed primarily during the night. Unlike other mites, they are unable to survive for extended periods away from their host and depend on a blood meal to reproduce.
Red mites prefer warm and dry environments, and their favorite habitats include:
- Poultry Houses and Coops: Red mites infest poultry houses and coops where they find their primary hosts, such as chickens, ducks, or other birds. They hide in cracks, crevices, and nesting materials during the day and come out at night to feed.
- Bird Nests: Wild birds’ nests can also serve as suitable environments for red mites, providing them with access to blood meals from the nesting birds and their offspring.
- Abandoned Structures: Red mites can also infest abandoned structures or neglected areas where birds once nested. If bird populations are no longer present, red mites may seek alternative hosts, including mammals or humans.
There are several types of red mites, but the most common species that infest birds include:
- Dermanyssus gallinae: Also known as the “red poultry mite” or “red mite,” this species is the most significant pest for domestic poultry. They can cause stress, anemia, decreased egg production, and other health issues in infested birds.
- Ornithonyssus sylviarum: Commonly referred to as the “northern fowl mite,” this species primarily infests poultry but can also affect other avian species. They cause similar problems as Dermanyssus gallinae, including blood loss and stress.
Red mite infestations can be challenging to control and eradicate. It often requires a combination of integrated pest management strategies, including thorough cleaning of infested areas, treating affected birds with appropriate insecticides or acaricides, and implementing preventive measures to reduce mite populations in poultry houses or bird nesting areas. Regular monitoring and maintaining good hygiene practices are essential for managing and preventing red mite infestations in birds.
As Smart Pest Control, we carefully carry out special spray treatments to exterminate all of insects with multiple visits to ensure customer satisfaction. After the treatments, the property should be evacuated for 5 hours and 30-60 minutes of airing out should be carried out.
