How to Treat Lice & Mites on Chickens

Once discovered, treatment for lice and mites on chickens should begin promptly. The individual birds can be dusted with carbaryl insecticide if the flock is small. Severe infestations may require the attention of a veterinarian. If caught early, however, self-treatment is very effective in eradicating these external parasites.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic garbage bag
  • Carbaryl insecticide (Sevin®)
  • Dust mask
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Instructions

    • 1

      Don the dust mask.

    • 2

      Pour about a cup of insecticide into the garbage bag.

    • 3

      Put the chicken's body into the garbage bag. Hold the bag closed around the chicken's neck.

    • 4

      Rotate and shake the garbage bag around the chicken's body to thoroughly dust the bird with the insecticide.

    • 5

      Hold the bird in the bag for a moment to allow the dust inside to settle, then let the chicken out of the bag.

    • 6

      Repeat the dusting procedure every two weeks as needed to eliminate the mites or lice.