How to Kill Parasites in Pens

The method used to kill parasites in pens depends on the type of parasite, the type of pen, and the type of pet or farm animal infected. The most common types of parasites are worms, fleas, ticks and mites. The following directions apply to the common types of parasites, with a choice of cleaning solutions.

Things You'll Need

  • Medication
  • Temporary animal enclosure
  • For Indoor Pens:
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Spray bottle
  • Rubbing alcohol, bleach, or soap mixture
  • Paper towels
  • Plastic bags
  • Borax (optional)
  • Sea salt (optional)
  • For Outdoor Pens:
  • Shovel
  • Bucket
  • Hot water
  • Soap
  • Bleach
  • Mop
  • Sponges
Show More

Instructions

  1. Eliminating Parasites in Pens

    • 1
      You must first medicate the animal to eliminate parasites in the pen.

      Medicate the animal. Type of medication, application, and dosage depend on the animal and type of parasite. Your veterinarian will provide specific medication and detailed dosage instructions.

    • 2
      Cleaning solutions are toxic.

      Move the animal to a temporary pen, away from the pen you are about to clean.

    • 3
      You must clean everything in the pen.

      Remove all bedding, animal waste, food, water, pen furnishings and toys from the pen.

    • 4
      Birds may get mites, worms, and ticks.

      Discard all disposable bedding, waste and food in sealed plastic bags. Empty water containers.

    • 5
      Puppies often have worms and fleas.

      Wash reusable bedding, dishes, water containers, furnishings and toys in hot water and soap, and allow to air dry.

    • 6
      Reptiles may have mites, ticks, or worms.

      For indoor pens, fill a spray bottle with Isopropryl alcohol, or 10 percent bleach dissolved in 90 percent hot water, or hot water and soap solution (see Tips for solution recipes).

    • 7
      Arthropod pets often have mites.

      Thoroughly spray the solution onto the bottom, sides, doors and roof of pen. Include all latches and bars.

    • 8
      You must kill invisible parasite eggs as well as visible parasites.

      If you are using alcohol or bleach, allow solution to dry completely, preferably in direct sunlight. If you are using soap, wipe solution off with paper towels, then rinse with plain hot water and allow to dry completely, preferably in direct sunlight.

    • 9
      Animals can spread parasites and eggs outside of the pen.

      Vacuum the area around the pen, as well as any area outside the pen where the animal plays or sleeps. To kill fleas, ticks, and mites, sprinkle area with one part borax to one part sea salt and allow to sit for fifteen minutes before vacuuming.

    • 10
      Farm animals can easily contract worms.

      For outdoor pens, use shovel to completely remove all organic matter from the floor of the pen.

    • 11
      Thorough cleaning reduces reinfection.

      Fill bucket with hot, soapy water and use a sponge to scrub all organic debris from walls, doors and ceiling.

    • 12
      Pests are attracted to animal waste and can spread parasites.

      Refill bucket with 10 percent bleach dissolved in 90 percent water. Use mop and sponges to thoroughly scrub the pen floor, walls, doors and any ceiling area accessible to the animal. Allow to dry thoroughly.