Proven natural solution against red poultry mites

It is well known to those involved in poultry and egg production that a few decades ago the red poultry mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) became widespread throughout Europe and became a major problem. Red mite is a complex problem for poultry farmers, as its appearance can cause significant damage to flocks, especially during the warmer months, but also throughout the year in closed housing systems.

Poultry mites pose a significant health and production challenge for poultry farmers.

How Does Poultry Mite Infestation Affect Flock Performance?

1. Reduced egg production: the proliferation of red mites and their bites can cause significant stress to the birds, resulting in reduced egg production or poorer egg quality in laying flocks.

2. Poorer meat quality: the bites caused by the red mite can appear as rash-like spots on the birds' bodies, which can be an aesthetic concern for poultry meat buyers.

3. Increase susceptibility to disease, and higher mortality rates: Red mites can act as vectors for viruses and bacteria, posing an indirect health risk to the whole flock. Continued blood loss in infected flocks can lead to anaemia, affecting the general health of the birds and their resistance to other pathogens. The dead mites can also pose a respiratory risk by spreading in the air stirred up by ventilation systems, causing respiratory symptoms and asthma in both birds and their handlers. In extreme cases, red mite infestations can also lead to mortality.

4. Worsening feed conversion rate: birds infected with red mites may have reduced feed intake and weight gain, resulting in a worsening FCR. This may result in higher feed costs and lower profits.

5. Treatment and prevention costs: Control of red mites requires regular monitoring and the implementation of various control measures, which entail additional costs for poultry farmers.

Poultry mites can easily hide in cracks and crevices within poultry houses, typically emerging at night to feed on blood.

The Drawbacks of Conventional Chemical Treatments

Treating poultry mite infestations requires a comprehensive, multi-step strategy aimed both at preventing introduction into flocks and limiting spread within poultry facilities.

Many companies offer chemical products against poultry mites, but traditional chemical treatments come with several disadvantages.

In addition to their significant environmental impact, chemical treatments may pose health risks to workers, including respiratory irritation, skin irritation, and potential long-term health effects. They are also often expensive and labor-intensive.

Resistance development is another major concern. Over time, mites may become resistant to the active substances used in conventional sprays, rendering treatments ineffective and requiring stronger or more frequent applications.

Traditional methods are also frequently insufficient because chemicals may fail to reach all the hidden areas where mites reside, allowing infestations to return easily.

Chemical treatments also involve mandatory food safety withdrawal periods during which meat and eggs cannot be consumed. Depending on the product and active ingredient, withdrawal periods may range from several days up to 14–21 days, creating both economic and logistical challenges for producers.

Red mite control is made more difficult by the introduction of the EU Food Authority Regulation and the so-called Biocides List, which further restricts the range of products that can be used. In addition, conventional control is often not effective enough, as it does not reach all the nooks and crannies where mites can hide, making it easy for the poultry flock to become reinfested.

There is therefore a demand from poultry farmers for a product that facilitates control, meets the legal requirements and is free from the above-mentioned negative effects.

Traditional chemical treatments against poultry mites have numerous drawbacks.

Effective and Safe Natural Protection Against Poultry Mites

One such natural alternative is DERMANYGUARD, a supplement made exclusively from herbal extracts. Once absorbed through the animals’ digestive systems, it exerts its effect internally.

The taste and digestibility of the blood of hens treated with DERMANYGUARD changes, causing mites to stop feeding. As a result, the mites’ life cycle is disrupted. Without a suitable host, the mites eventually die off, and their reproduction cycle collapses.

DERMANYGUARD is not an insecticide and has no direct toxic effect on mites. Instead, it helps reduce and eventually eliminate mite populations by effectively starving them, while also helping prevent reinfestation in already clean flocks.

Today, natural, safe, and proven effective solutions against poultry mites are available.

The advantages of DERMANYGUARD over traditional treatment methods against red mites

• DERMANYGUARD provides a targeted and effective approach as it can be applied directly to birds and their environment, reaching even mites hiding at the time of the treatment.
• Made from natural ingredients, DERMANYGUARD is safe to use for both birds, handlers and the environment.
• It is a cost-effective solution.
• It has beneficial physiological effects and has no withdrawal period.
• It is effective for long term use as mites do not develop resistance to its active ingredients.
• It has a beneficial effect on production.
• When used as a preventive measure, it can maintain flock immunity.
• It is certified by Biokontroll Hungária and can be used in organic farming as well.

Proven Results from Commercial Farms

DERMANYGUARD herbal drinking solution has already demonstrated its effectiveness in commercial trials, including a study conducted at the Szijártó Ltd. farm in Kerekegyháza, Hungary, involving 30,000 laying hens.

Just three weeks after the initial one-week treatment period, the mite population had decreased significantly. Large numbers of mites began drying out and accumulating as dust-like residues.

Spot-check examinations of the hens revealed that mites were no longer present on the birds. The hens appeared calmer, stopped feather pecking, and no longer showed signs of constant irritation caused by the parasites.

Eggs remained clean, making egg-collection and processing easier.

Supporting Immunity and Recovery

The effects of DERMANYGUARD can be effectively complemented with natural products containing bioactive vitamins, stress-relieving herbs, immune-supporting compounds, liver-protective ingredients, minerals, and diatomaceous earth treatments for poultry houses.

Stronger Immune System — More Resilient Flocks

Combining the herbal DERMANYGUARD drinking solution with AYUCEE, a natural vitamin C and bioflavonoid supplement, offers several advantages.

Vitamin C is well known for its immune-supporting properties and may help reduce stress caused by mite infestations while promoting overall health. Bioflavonoids provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help soothe skin irritation caused by mite bites.

Together, these natural supplements provide comprehensive support for poultry, strengthen immune response, and aid recovery from infestation.

Immune-supporting and stress-relieving supplements also play an important role in protecting against poultry mite infestations.

Stress Management and Liver Support

STRESROAK and SUPERLIV herbal drinking solutions also complement the effects of DERMANYGUARD exceptionally well.

STRESROAK helps reduce the negative physiological and economic effects of stress caused by mite infestations. It reduces stress-related aggressive behaviors within the flock, improving flock management and lowering the risk of injuries and feather pecking. Less stressed flocks often demonstrate better growth rates, improved egg production, and stronger resistance to common poultry diseases.

SUPERLIV supports improved nutrient absorption, helping poultry utilize feed nutrients more efficiently to maintain productivity and overall health. It also supports liver function and detoxification processes, assisting the body in eliminating toxins and maintaining effective immune function.

By reducing stress and supporting liver health, STRESROAK and SUPERLIV further enhance the effectiveness of DERMANYGUARD while promoting the vitality and wellbeing of poultry flocks.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural and well-established method for controlling poultry mites.

Diatomaceous Earth — A Proven Natural Poultry House Treatment

Diatomaceous earth is one of the most effective natural remedies against poultry mites. Its microscopic sharp particles physically damage the mites’ outer shells, causing them to dehydrate and die.

It is important to use food-grade diatomaceous earth. Apply it to poultry house floors, perches, and nesting boxes, ensuring it also reaches cracks and crevices where mites hide. Always wear a mask during application to avoid inhaling dust particles.

Fine-grain formulations are also available that can be mixed into sprayable solutions, allowing the entire poultry house surface to be treated using spraying equipment in addition to traditional manual application.

Protect your flock with these effective and natural methods!

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. For an accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy, always consult your veterinarian.