Red Mite - Getting Rid

Phil Black Rock · Post by **Phil Black Rock** » 26 Jul 2007, 19:16

I have had a brilliant idea for getting rid of the dreaded red mite, do you think it is a good idea.
What about getting one of the sulphur bombs that I use for sterilizing the greenhouse pre season, but using it in the girls house. According to form these sulphur bombs get rid of any type of pest.
My idea is to let the girls out early morning, then put plastic sheet over the windows/doors insert the bomb and wait for it to work its magic. I think they give off poisonous fumes for about two hours, then remove the sheet and open all the doors/ windows for the fumes to escape until the girls go to bed late evening.
A good idea - or not.
Phil

)chu:

AnnaB · Post by **AnnaB** » 26 Jul 2007, 19:22

Phil
Be very careful - these are really poisonous. Why not use the diatomaceous earth - the bigger you buy the cheaper it is and it is useful all around the garden and to 'worm' the girls.
Read the search engines about it.

melons · Post by **melons** » 26 Jul 2007, 19:23

Have a quick shufty on the practical poultry forum, there's been a section on that same idea there.

Post by **wendy** » 26 Jul 2007, 21:27

Ooooh I am a bit wary. Their air sacs are really delicate, and you can easily come unstuck.
Wendy

Phil Black Rock · Post by **Phil Black Rock** » 26 Jul 2007, 21:36

http://www.greengardener.co.uk/repel.htm

The link to the diatomaceous earth jobby, it sounds too good to be true, anybody else had expirience of using this.

Phil B

)chu:

Post by **wendy** » 26 Jul 2007, 21:38

One of the girls on my forum, was absolutely plagued with red mite. Used this and sings it praises.
I have bought a Kilo but haven't had to use it yet. But I am all ready for the onslaught.
Wendy

Sarah S · Post by **Sarah S** » 27 Jul 2007, 19:50

I've used Jeyes fluid to good effect but ignored all the instructions on the tin and (donning protective gear first!) used it neat soaked into a rag and applied direct to the little blighters, end of the perches and other crannies. It takes two or three days of repeated treatment but it has been pretty good.

Calliope · Post by **Calliope** » 16 Aug 2007, 20:38

In our area we use wood ashes from the wood stove or fire pit and put them in a tray inside the chicken house. The chickens will dust bath in the ashes and stomp around in them, and it really seems to work well for mites. (f+

Post by **wendy** » 16 Aug 2007, 20:43

economical and ecologically fine to, well done.
Welcome to the forum.
Wendy

b_cos_1_can · Post by **b_cos_1_can** » 20 Aug 2007, 17:36

my neighbour has an open fire which they frequently use, i could use their ashes.....does this really keep the blasted things away?

anybody know any more on the subject?

thanks

kat x