Stay on top of Red Mite with Predator Mite
You must remain vigilant where Red Mite are concerned. Remember to keep monitoring the levels of Red Mite, check the coop and your birds for signs at least once a week. The mite's short life cycle of 7 - 10 days means it reappears very rapidly.
If you have recently purchased the Predator Mite Booster Cartridge Insert and Holder, it may soon be time to top up your predator mite levels with a new Cartridge Insert Depending on level of infestation this would normally be required every 3-6 weeks. The cartridge works best when attached as close to the infestation as possible.
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The Sprinkler and Shaker contain a higher concentration of predator mite that can be used to dust the nest boxes and house, and should be used to complement the Booster Cartridges.
Do not apply using a double dose thinking this will work better. If the Predator Mite eat all the Red Mite and have nothing to survive on they will die themselves before the Red Mites re-hatch. Always use as per instructions.
If the biological (Predator Mite) method of control is not for you then a more conventional regime will need to be followed.
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Prevention, not cure
Remember, it is difficult to eradicate Red Mite completely, and it takes regular cleanouts and management of your coop to stay on top of it. Red Mite can often stay dormant and be much less obvious or cause many problems during the colder weather and winter months. If you had an infestation last year they will probably re-emerge as soon as the weather gets warmer. Next year try and start preventive treatment as early as March or April. A programme of keeping levels low should then be followed throughout the summer months.
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Red Mite Treatment - Best practice
Remove all bedding from your house and burn if possible or compost as far away from the coop as possible. The following is a good programme to use for prevention or low mite levels.
Remove all organic matter and disinfect with Chicken Vet Poultry Shield (right, 1litre, £11.00). Leave in place for one hour and then rinse with cold water.
Then use Chicken Vet Mite Powder (1kg, £12.30) weekly in nest boxes, dust baths and on the birds. It's safe to owners and birds, and kills mites within 3 days.
For more moderate levels of mites, use Chicken Vet Die-Mite (500ml, £13.13), a sticky silicone based product which entraps the mite and hinders movement - spray around the perches and nest boxes. If you have previously used Mite Powder then scrub thoroughly to remove all traces as this powder hinders the effectiveness of Die-Mite.
The above knockdown products will unfortunately kill Predator Mite and as such should not be used when Predator Mite have been released in the coop. We recommend using the above products to bring any serious infestation under control, before introducing Predator Mite 4 to 6 weeks later.
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All products and prices listed are exclusive of VAT and delivery charges.
For more information, please contact us on 01392 872885 or email info@chickenvet.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit our online shop for further details and ordering.
Many Thanks,
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