If you’ve been keeping chickens for a while, you’ve probably noticed the signs: the chickens are scratching more than usual, or maybe you’ve spotted tiny, fast-moving bugs in the coop. These little critters are likely mites, and while they’re small, they’re certainly not harmless.
Mites can really cause problems for your flock. They’re not just annoying; they can lead to serious health issues, from anemia to feather loss and even a drop in egg production. The good news is that if you catch the problem early, you can get things under control and keep your chickens healthy.
So, let’s examine how to identify mites before they become a problem, the natural remedies that can help, and when chemical treatments might be necessary. We’ll also discuss how to prevent mites from returning in the future.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid plan to fight mites and protect your flock—without stressing out. Let’s get started!
How to Spot a Mite Infestation Before It Gets Out of Hand
Mites don’t show up overnight. Well, technically, they do—but by the time you notice them, they’ve probably been around for a while, multiplying in the shadows. These tiny parasites can drain your chickens’ energy, cut egg production, and even cause serious health problems if you don’t catch them early.
The usual suspects? Red mites and northern fowl mites. Red mites are sneaky. They hide in the coop during the day and come out at night to feast on your chickens. Northern fowl mites, on the other hand, live on the birds 24/7. They don’t take breaks, and they don’t move out on their own.
The Best Way to Check for Mites
If you want to catch mites before they get out of control, grab a flashlight and check your chickens at night. That’s when red mites are most active. Look under the wings, around the vent, and near the neck. If you see tiny red or dark specks moving around, you’ve got mites. Also, run your fingers along the roosting bars—if they come away with reddish smudges, that’s mite droppings and digested blood. That is not a great sign.
The Mistake Most People Make
It’s easy to dismiss feather loss, pale combs, or a drop in egg production as just stress or molting. That’s the mistake. These can all be early signs of mites, and waiting until you see bugs crawling around means you’re already playing catch-up. If something feels off, check. The worst that happens? You don’t find mites, and you go back to bed. But if you do, you can act fast before things spiral.
How Common Are Mites Really?
It’s more common than you’d think. A 2020 Poultry Science Journal study found that 83% of backyard flocks in the U.S. deal with mites at some point each year. That means even if you haven’t had them yet, there’s a good chance you will. It’s not a sign of poor care—it’s just part of keeping chickens. The trick is knowing what to look for and catching them early.
What Happens If You Ignore Mites?
Let’s talk about the 2018 UK mite outbreak. A small farm lost 20% of its flock because of red mites. By the time they realized what was happening, the mites had drained some birds to the point of severe anemia. The infestation had spread through every crack in the coop. It took months of treatments and a total coop overhaul to get rid of them.
On a smaller scale, a homesteader from The Prairie Homestead shared a similar story. One summer, her hens’ egg production dropped by half. She chalked it up to the heat. A few weeks later, she found mites all over the nesting boxes. If she’d checked earlier, she could have saved her flock a lot of stress.
Mites are sneaky, but they’re not invincible. The sooner you spot them, the easier they are to deal with. A simple nighttime check can save you a whole lot of trouble—and keep your chickens happy, healthy, and laying eggs like they should.
Using Natural Remedies to Control Mites
Mites don’t go away on their own. Once they show up, they settle in, multiply, and turn your coop into a full-blown infestation. But before you reach for chemical sprays, there’s good news: natural remedies work—if you use them right.
Diatomaceous Earth: A Simple, Effective Fix
One of the best natural mite killers is food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE). It’s a fine, powdery substance made from crushed fossils, and while it feels soft in your hands, it’s deadly to mites. The tiny particles scratch their exoskeletons, drying them out until they’re gone for good.
Here’s how to use it:
- Dust the coop. Focus on roosting bars, nesting boxes, and any cracks where mites like to hide.
- Apply it to your chickens. Sprinkle a small amount under their wings and around their vents.
- Add it to a dust bath. Chickens naturally roll in dust to stay clean, and mixing in DE makes their bath an even better defense.
And it’s not just a home remedy—science backs it up. A 2019 study from the Journal of Applied Poultry Research found that DE reduced mite populations by 90% in two weeks.
The Essential Oil Mistake
Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus are often recommended for mite control, but they can cause more harm than good. Chickens have sensitive respiratory systems, and strong scents or direct application can irritate them.
Here’s what not to do:
- Don’t use essential oils undiluted—they’re too strong for chickens.
- Avoid spraying large amounts inside the coop—fumes can cause breathing issues.
If you do use oils, dilute them well in water with a bit of apple cider vinegar. A light mist around the coop (not on the birds) can help deter mites without overwhelming your flock.
Lessons from the Field
The Organic Farmer’s Approach: A small organic poultry farm in Oregon had a challenging mite problem but wanted to stay chemical-free. They switched to a mix of DE, garlic in feed, and herbs like mint and thyme. Within a month, the mites were gone. Their story was shared in a local co-op newsletter, and it convinced other farmers to ditch the chemicals, too.
A Homesteader’s Experiment: YouTube homesteader Justin Rhodes documented his journey battling mites. Over a month, he tested natural methods, focusing on DE and dust baths. By the end, mites were almost completely gone—and he never needed pesticides. His takeaway? Natural remedies work, but they take consistency.
You don’t need harsh chemicals to fight mites. With DE, dust baths, and a few strategic choices, you can tackle infestations naturally. The key? Stay consistent. A single dusting won’t do the job—but regular maintenance will keep your flock mite-free for the long haul.
Applying Chemical Treatments Safely
Natural mite treatments work most of the time. But sometimes, mites don’t just stick around—they take over. When a coop is crawling with them, and your chickens are suffering, it’s time to bring out the big guns: chemical treatments.
The Right Time to Use Chemicals
Mites multiply fast. If you’re seeing clusters of them on roosts, chickens looking pale and exhausted, or eggshells speckled with tiny pests, natural remedies might not be enough. Permethrin-based sprays are one of the safest and most effective chemical options for poultry coops.
A 2021 study in Veterinary Parasitology found that permethrin reduced mite counts by 95% in just 48 hours in heavily infested coops. That’s a huge difference—and fast relief for your flock.
How to Apply Permethrin (Without Causing More Problems)
- Move your chickens out of the coop. Let everything dry before letting them back in.
- Spray roosting bars, walls, and cracks. Mites love hiding in tiny spaces.
- Follow the label strictly. More isn’t better—overuse can lead to pesticide resistance.
- Repeat in a week. Mites lay eggs fast. One treatment won’t catch them all.
The One Mistake You Can’t Make
Never spray permethrin directly on chickens or eggs. It’s meant for surfaces, not birds. Spraying chickens can lead to toxicity issues, respiratory problems, and eggs that must be thrown away. Stick to treating the coop, not the flock.
Real-World Lessons
The Texas Farm Fix: A mid-sized poultry farm in Texas faced a red mite disaster. Egg production plummeted, chickens were weak, and mites were everywhere. They tried natural methods, but nothing worked. Finally, they used a careful permethrin application—and within two days, the mites were nearly gone. A trade magazine covered their recovery, emphasizing how proper chemical use saved their flock.
A Backyard Keeper’s Hard Lesson: A new chicken owner shared their story on r/BackyardChickens. Their flock was overrun with mites, so they grabbed permethrin and sprayed everything—including the chickens. The result? Sick birds, contaminated eggs, and a steep learning curve. After doing some research, they treated the coop appropriately and finally got rid of the mites—the right way.
Chemical treatments shouldn’t be your first option, but when mites take over, they can be a lifesaver. Used correctly, permethrin can wipe out mites fast—without putting your chickens at risk. The key is knowing when to use it, how to apply it, and what not to do.
Keeping Mites from Coming Back
Getting rid of mites is one thing. Keeping them from staging a comeback is another. These little pests thrive in warm, dusty, neglected spaces—which describes a lot of chicken coops. The good news? A few simple habits can make your coop a place where mites don’t stand a chance.
Cleanliness is Your Best Defense
A dirty coop is basically a mite Airbnb. A 2022 study from the University of California Poultry Extension found that coops cleaned every two weeks had 60% fewer mite problems than those cleaned monthly. That’s a huge difference for not a lot of extra work.
✔Swap out bedding before it starts looking (or smelling) questionable.
✔ Scrub down roosting bars and nesting boxes—mites love to hide in the cracks.
✔ Check for tiny gaps in wood or corners where mites can settle in and lay eggs.
Let Your Chickens Help Themselves
Chickens naturally dust bathe to keep mites off, but a patch of plain dirt isn’t enough. If you really want to make life miserable for mites, upgrade their dust bath with:
✅ Sand (for a deep, loose texture)
✅ Wood ash (mites hate it)
✅ Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) (dehydrates mites before they can spread)
If your chickens always have access to a proper dust bath, they’ll handle a big part of mite prevention on their own.
The One Thing You Can’t Ignore
Skipping regular cleaning. Leaving old bedding, droppings, or damp spots in the coop is like rolling out a welcome mat for mites. Even if you don’t see them now, they’re probably lurking in the cracks, waiting for their moment.
Lessons from the Real World
The Amish Poultry Model: Have you ever noticed how Amish farmers rarely have mite issues? It’s not luck. They clean their coops like clockwork and don’t give mites a chance to take hold.
The Backyard Chicken Comeback: A city chicken keeper made headlines after successfully eliminating mites and keeping them away for good. The secret? A strict cleaning routine and a proper dust bath setup. Once they stopped letting things slide, the mites never returned.
Mites are persistent, but they aren’t invincible. Keep things clean, give your chickens the tools to fight back, and mites won’t be a problem.
Conclusion
Mites are persistent, but so are you. The best way to keep them under control is a simple formula: catch them early, treat them effectively, and prevent their return.
Spotting mites before they take over gives you more options—natural remedies like diatomaceous earth and dust baths can work wonders. But if things get out of hand, safe chemical treatments like permethrin can help reset the balance. And in the long run, a clean coop and healthy flock make it much harder for mites to move back in.
The good news? This isn’t an unsolvable problem. Chickens have been dealing with mites forever, and so have chicken keepers. With the right approach, you can stay one step ahead and keep your flock comfortable.
Have you found a method that works? Have you tried something that didn’t? Share your experience in the comments! The best solutions often come from those who’ve been in the thick of it.
FAQs about How To Get Rid Of Mites In Chicken Coop.
1. How do I know if my chickens have mites?
Look for signs like excessive scratching, feather loss, pale combs, or a drop in egg production. Mites are tiny, so you might also spot them crawling on your chickens at night with a flashlight. Red mites, in particular, are nocturnal, making them easier to find after dark.
2. Are natural remedies safe for my chickens?
Yes, natural remedies like food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) are safe and effective for controlling mites. Just be sure to use them properly—apply them to the coop and chickens in a well-ventilated area, and avoid inhaling the dust yourself.
3. Can I use chemical treatments if natural methods don’t work?
Yes, chemical treatments like permethrin-based sprays are effective when used correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and remove your chickens during application to ensure their safety. Always avoid spraying chemicals directly on your birds or eggs.
4. How often should I clean the coop to prevent mites?
It’s best to clean your coop at least every two weeks. Regular cleaning helps reduce the buildup of mites, bedding, and droppings, which can become breeding grounds for these pests.
5. What if I only have a few chickens—do I still need to worry about mites?
Yes, mites can affect flocks of any size, even just one or two chickens. It’s essential to look for early signs and treat them promptly to prevent more significant issues later.
6. Can mites spread to other animals?
Mites primarily affect chickens, but they can spread to other birds or poultry in close contact. To prevent infestations, it’s important to quarantine any new birds you introduce to your flock.
7. How long will it take to get rid of a mite infestation?
With the right treatment plan, you should see a noticeable improvement within a few weeks. Natural treatments like DE can take a bit longer, while chemical treatments like permethrin may show results in as little as 48 hours.