Diatomaceous earth worked way better than I expected for mites

I kept seeing people in this group recommend food grade diatomaceous earth for mite problems but I figured it was just another natural remedy that barely does anything. My barred rock hen started looking rough a few weeks ago and I found little red mites crawling around the roost bars at night. I dusted the whole coop and the birds with DE and was shocked how many mites I found dead on the floor the next morning. Did another treatment three days later and I haven't seen any since. The stuff is only like 12 bucks for a big bag and it lasts forever. Anyone else try this and have it actually work or did I just get lucky?

2 comments

2 Comments

lilyfisher10h ago

Girl I feel you. Mites are the absolute worst and it's such a relief when something actually works. So happy your hen is doing better now.

mark_nguyen958h ago

Mites are no joke. Heard from a local chicken keeper that diatomaceous earth works pretty well if you keep the coop dry. Might be worth looking into if they come back.