WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR HEALTH?
Heavy mite infestations may cause discomfort and blood loss in birds. These mites can also bite people, but this does not mean they breed persistently on humans. Seek veterinary assessment of symptoms in birds.
LEARN ABOUT PESTS / GUIDES
POULTRY RED MITE
Despite its Turkish name meaning “red chicken louse”, the poultry red mite is a mite called Dermanyssus gallinae. It usually feeds on birds at night and hides in poultry-house cracks and joints by day. Environmental hygiene and hiding places matter when managing it.
Last updated: 7 October 2026
SEE SOLUTIONS
Stylised anatomical illustration
01
LEARN ABOUT THE POULTRY RED MITE
- How can you recognise it?
- A very small, oval mite; adults have eight legs.
- Where is it found?
- Perches, nest boxes, and cracks and joints in poultry houses.
- Behaviour
- Feeds at night and hides in its surroundings by day.
- Type of solution
- Poultry-house hygiene and authorised surface applications only.
Mites may not remain visible on birds: check perch and nest-box joints where they hide during the day. Seek veterinary help if needed to distinguish poultry red mites from other bird mites.
Why is checking the chicken alone not enough?
Poultry red mites can spend much of the day in sheltered places around the poultry house. Check these hiding places too.
02
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT PROBLEMS?
- 01
Clean the poultry house and maintain litter regularly; reduce organic build-up.
- 02
Check perches, nest boxes and structural joints, and reduce hiding places.
- 03
For recurring problems, review bird health and environmental management with a vet.
03
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCT?
- 01
Check the target pest
Check that the label explicitly lists poultry red mites. A general reference to “pests” does not establish suitability for this target.
- 02
Check the application area
Do not apply Killing products to chickens or any other animal. Use them only in environments and on surfaces allowed by the label. Read the instructions for protecting animals, feed and drinkers. Consult a vet about bird health.
- 03
Read the application instructions
Compare the target-specific application method and any stated duration. Do not transfer instructions between products or assume unverified durations.
- 04
Check the authorisation details
Especially when buying online, check the biocidal authorisation number and date, active ingredient and instructions on the back label.
04
SUITABLE PRODUCTS
Choose a poultry red mite solution according to the target and application area.
Pest-control products from our company’s different brands are listed together by solution type to help you compare options for your needs.
Do not apply Killing products to chickens or any other animal. Use them only in environments and on surfaces allowed by the label. Read the instructions for protecting animals, feed and drinkers. Consult a vet about bird health.
01
SURFACE APPLICATION
Application to authorised surfaces where the target occurs.
Killing
Killing Max Sprey
CONTROL WITH RESIDUAL EFFECT
Apply to surfaces permitted by the label.
EXPLORE PRODUCT BUY
Killing
Killing Öldürücü Aerosol
FASTEST CONTROL*
Apply to surfaces permitted by the label.
EXPLORE ON THE KILLING WEBSITE*Compared with other Netpa Tüketim products.
05
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do poultry red mites live on chickens or in their surroundings?
They usually feed on birds at night and hide in poultry-house cracks and joints by day. Assess both the birds and their surroundings.
Can poultry red mites bite people?
Yes. However, they are not expected to breed persistently on human blood; address the birds and surroundings that are the source.
Can Killing products be applied to chickens?
No. Killing Max Spray and Killing Insecticide Aerosol must not be applied to chickens or other animals. Use them only in environments and on surfaces permitted by the label.
Which products are shown for this target?
Killing Max Spray and Killing Insecticide Aerosol appear in the surface application group. Check the label’s conditions for use around poultry houses and animals.