[HarrysMum]

Here are some red mite on the end of a perch.  (Start scratching now!!)



Rather than use vaselline (which is really messy) it's a good idea to paint the interior of the house with a slurry paint made from adding Diatom (diatomaceous earth DE) to a dilute disinfectant  (water and disinfectant) Vanodine V18 is best but Poultry Shield can be used too.  Mix to a creamy batter constituancy and paint on roosts and into corners and cracks where they colonise.  It will dry to a light coloured powder which you should avoid washing off just scrape when cleaning.   DE is very drying and stops droppings sticking to perching bars as well as killing RM.
HF

Do you do this as a precaution BEFORE red mite or is something you do once red mite is detected and cleaned away ...... I'm sorry if it sounds daft.  I am interested as I have a second hand coop hopefully coming tomorrow which needs cleaning n painting.  And please what is Diatom please and is it easily obtainable? ..... Thank you x

[Sassy]

The slurry is used as a preventative - you can add a little washing up liquid to get a better consistency for painting on. DE may be available where you get your chook feed or on line.

[ANHBUC]

As Sassy said, you can make it in to a slurry so it sticks to the wood.

Some more information on DE HERE

[devonbarmygardener]

We squirt a bit of smite powder into all the perch joints and corners.

We've never had red mite - it's all just for prevention.