HOW TO PREVENT AN INFESTATION

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Inspect your coop every week – the sooner you find an infestation, the better, as it’s much easier to control a small number of mites.

– at night, use a bright torch to check birds on the legs and breast;

– during the day, use a torch to inspect nest boxes, where perches join walls, and gaps in the coop frame.

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Paint wood framing a light colour, and use a silicone sealant to fill in cracks, so the coop interior is smooth and gap-free. This makes it much easier to see and treat mites.

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Research shows the cleaner the coop, the lower the mite population. Remove wet or dirty litter daily, and regularly add a thick layer of fresh litter.

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Nest boxes are a prime hiding place for mites. Consider using plastic nest boxes (eg, repurpose plastic trays, bins etc) as these are easier to remove, clean, and treat than permanent fixed nest boxes.