Mitex Application for Pest Management in Poultry Systems

Red mite (D. gallinae) is a significant pest of laying hens causing reduced production performance, surviving up to 9 months without feeding, and can therefore be difficult to eradicate (Waap et al., 2019).
Mites and insects have a waxy cuticle on their body to prevent desiccation.
Diatomaceous earth works by damaging the waxy cuticle, therefore achieving desiccation and insect death. Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic, environmentally safe, 100% natural technology, which kills mites and insects within 3 days of direct contact. It contains no chemical pesticides, therefore there is no risk of chemoresistance and requires no withdrawal period.
Mitex contains diatomaceous earth.

Wet clean the building and disinfect as part of the usual biosecurity programme.
Once building and equipment are dry, replace litter and dust thoroughly with Mitex.
Use 20 g/m2 of hard surface area if infestation is not severe.
Usage may be increased to 30g/m2 hard surface area in severe infestation.
4-6 weeks after placement a second application may be required if feathers and litter cover the treated surfaces.
Repeat or top-up where necessary, particularly if physically removed during cleaning of conveyors, or in areas blown free of powder by fans.
Use an applicator giving a light electrostatic charge to attract the product to metal cage surfaces.
Safe for use directly onto birds and can be applied directly or added to dust bathing areas.
Apply during dark/night time when mites are most active and feed on the birds.
Pay close attention to heavily infected areas where mites hide, for example under feeders, in crevices or nest boxes.
It is recommended all egg belts are run directly after Mitex application.
Any woodwork should be treated with a preservative that deters mites.
It is advisable to use dust masks during application (see product label and SDS).

In line with HGCA recommendations:

Pre-Harvest: Treat the fabric of the silo with 10 g/m2.
Prevention: Treat the top 30cm with 200 g/m2, approximately 1 kg/tonne.
Infested grains: Treat the top 30cm with 600 g/m2, approximately 3 kg/tonne.
To do this, add mix to the appropriate tonnage to cover the silo to a depth of 30cm.

In line with HGCA recommendations:

Pre-Harvest: Treat the floor area with 30 g/m2.
Prevention: Treat the top 30cm with 200 g/m2, approximately 1 kg/tonne and rake in.
Infested grains: Treat the top 30cm with 600 g/m2, approximately 3 kg/tonne and rake in.

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