#red mite

"Then, of course, there are the more nefarious means of foot life. This is a mite, and it is beautiful in that creepy, unsettling way when it is still. But watchig it crawl across the screen kind of makes it... cute? Well, cute until you remember that there are species of mites, like the scabies mite, that use their front legs to dig into the outer layer of your skin and lay their eggs. Yes, that includes the skin of people's feet."

Journey to the Microcosmos- The Fantastic Feet of the Microcosmos

Images Originally Captured by Jam's Germs

Spotted running around at high speed in the undergrowth at the Dryandra Woodlands, out in the WA Wheatbelt.

"There are so many of these invisible mechanisms for transporting microbes around the world, whether that is through the feet that trod on ground or fly through the air. If you look up in the sky, what you're seeing there, maybe a bird. Or invisibly, it may be a rotifer, with its foot attached to a foot attached to some wings."

Journey to the Microcosmos- The Fantastic Feet of the Microcosmos

Images Originally Captured by Jam's Germs

In stonectop heaven

Red mite infestation poses a significant challenge in poultry farming, leading to mortality and production losses. Traditional chemical interventions may not always be effective, and concerns about resistance and residue levels have prompted the search for alternative solutions. Phytogenic (plant-based) approaches offer promising avenues for controlling red mites while minimizing the risks associated with chemical agents.

Understanding Red Mites:

Red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are ectoparasites that thrive in poultry housing environments. They feed on the blood of birds during the night, causing irritation, stress, anemia, and decreased egg production. Additionally, heavy infestations can lead to mortality, exacerbating economic losses for poultry farmers.

Herbal Red Mite Management Program:

A comprehensive herbal red mite management program involves multiple strategies aimed at preventing, controlling, and mitigating the impact of red mite infestations in poultry farms.

Habitat Modification:

Regular cleaning and disinfection of poultry housing to remove organic debris and mite habitats. Ensuring proper ventilation and reducing humidity levels, as high humidity facilitates mite proliferation. Installation of physical barriers and traps to capture mites and prevent their movement between birds.

Herbal Extracts and Essential Oils:

Utilization of phytogenic extracts and essential oils with known acaricidal (mite-killing) properties, such as neem oil, eucalyptus oil, garlic extract, and thyme oil. These natural compounds disrupt mite physiology, including their reproductive cycle and ability to feed on birds, without leaving harmful residues.

Feed Additives:

Incorporation of phytogenic feed additives containing herbal ingredients like oregano, cinnamon, and turmeric. These additives not only enhance the birds' immune response but also possess repellent effects against red mites when consumed by poultry.

Biological Control Agents:

Introduction of predatory mites (e.g., Stratiolaelaps scimitus) that feed on red mites, reducing their population density. Application of beneficial nematodes that target red mite larvae and disrupt their life cycle.

Benefits of Phytogenic Solutions:

Reduced reliance on chemical acaricides, minimizing the risk of residues in poultry products and environmental contamination. Preservation of beneficial microorganisms in the poultry environment, maintaining ecological balance. Enhanced overall health and welfare of poultry due to the immunomodulatory effects of herbal compounds.

Conclusion: Implementing a holistic herbal red mite management program offers poultry farmers an effective and sustainable approach to control mite infestations while safeguarding bird health and productivity. By harnessing the power of phytogenic solutions, poultry producers can mitigate the economic losses associated with red mite outbreaks and ensure the welfare of their flock.

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