CONTROLLING RED MITE INFESTATION Getting the upper hand with a severe Red Mite infestation requires persistence and attention to detail, and it may involve using more than one approach. Any control programme needs to pay attention to the following:

RECOMMENDED PROTOCOL FOR USE OF FOR RED MITE CONTROL IN POULTRY HOUSING: If using dosing pump supplied, use 2 x 30ml shots per litre of water (6% solution), or dilute 1 part SMITE with 15-25 parts water (6.66% - 4% solution). Apply as suggested to the housing and equipment, using knapsack or hand sprayer. Use suitable protective clothing.

REMEMBER SMITE IS ALSO A VERY EFFECTIVE DISINFECTANT AND CLEANER – SO ONE PRODUCT DOES IT ALL THE MITE! – CLEAN AND DISINFECT!

1: Before depopulation of the unit, initially spray liberally with 6% solution of SMITE to equipment and nesting areas. This reduces the number of mite initially and gives a more comfortable environment for the workforce. SMITE is not licensed to be sprayed on the birds, but it is safe to spray the housing with the birds in situ and any overspray will not cause a problem.

2: Remove all equipment from the unit, including any plastic slats, as these can harbour mite in the joints.

3: The housing unit and equipment should then be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to a clinical standard, using a 6% solution of SMITE. Take care to remove all litter and manure from every area, thus removing as many mites as possible. Pay particular attention to cracks and crevices, perches and joints.

4: When the new crop of birds has been introduced and the unit temperature has stabilised, spray with a 6% solution of SMITE, as any remaining mites will now suddenly become very active, especially if the unit has been empty for some time

5: Spray the whole housing unit again with a 6% solution 7 days later. In ideal conditions, Red Mite have a reproduction cycle of 7 days and this will treat any eggs which have hatched since the initial spraying. In severe infestations, the treatment should be repeated every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.

6: For continued control, routine spraying with a 3% solution of SMITE (1 x 30ml pump dose per litre of water) should be done every 4-6 weeks, without fail, even if mites are not visible. COMPLEMENTARY GOOD PRACTICE TO ASSIST IN THE CONTROL OF RED MITE: In addition to the essential ‘full cleandown’ procedure detailed above (which cannot be avoided!), consider the following, pesticide-free, additional good practices to discourage reinfestation:

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