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Red Mite Powder
  • Red Mite Powder
  • Red Mite Powder
Red Mite Powder

Red Mite Powder

CHF 11.49

Need comprehensive red mite control with proven results? Red Mite Powder (diatomaceous earth) kills parasites mechanically with microscopic sharp edges - parasites cannot develop resistance. Choose 1kg or 2kg tubs for intensive treatment protocols requiring applications every 3-5 days for 2-3 weeks, plus ongoing maintenance. Add 1-2% to feed for digestive support. Natural, effective, chemical-free.
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Description

Natural parasite control that works mechanically, not chemically!

This 100% natural diatomaceous earth provides effective defence against external parasites like red mites, lice, and fleas without harsh chemicals. The fossilised remains of ancient diatoms create microscopic sharp edges that damage parasites' protective coating, causing dehydration. Available in convenient 1kg and 2kg tubs for comprehensive coop treatment and long-term maintenance. Safe for birds, safe for you.

Weight: Available in 1kg or 2kg tubs | Format: Fine powder for versatile application

Key Benefits

Effective Parasite Control - Microscopically sharp diatom particles damage the waxy coating of mites, lice, and fleas, causing dehydration and death through mechanical action

No Chemical Resistance - Works mechanically rather than chemically, so parasites cannot build immunity or resistance like they do with chemical treatments

Multi-Purpose Use - Apply to coops, nest boxes, and dust baths for environmental control, or add to feed at 1-2% to support digestive health and internal parasite management

100% Natural & Safe - Made from fossilised diatom remains with no synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or toxins. Safe around chickens, other animals, and humans when used properly

Cost-Effective Solution - When added to feed at 1-2%, may improve feed digestibility and potentially reduce feed costs whilst providing mineral supplementation

How to Use

Apply to coops, nest boxes, and directly to birds, or add to feed for internal benefits.

For Active Red Mite Infestations (Initial Treatment):

  1. Deep Clean First: Remove all bedding, perches, and equipment. Thoroughly clean the coop, removing organic matter and allowing to dry completely.
  2. Comprehensive Application: Apply liberally to all cracks, crevices, nest boxes, perches, joints, and throughout the coop. Pay special attention to areas where red mites hide during the day.
  3. Intensive Schedule: Reapply every 3-5 days for 2-3 weeks to break the red mite lifecycle and eliminate the infestation. This frequent application targets newly hatched mites before they can reproduce.

For Maintenance & Prevention:

  • Weekly/Bi-Weekly: After initial treatment, continue applying weekly or bi-weekly as preventative maintenance.
  • Summer Months: During warmer months when red mites are most active, increase application frequency to every 4-7 days.
  • Dust Bath Addition: Add generous amounts to dust bathing areas so chickens naturally coat themselves during bathing.

Direct Application to Birds:

Apply powder under wings, around the vent area, and through feathers, paying particular attention to areas where parasites congregate. Repeat every 7-10 days during active infestations.

Feed Additive:

Mix into feed at 2-5% (20-50g per kg of feed) to support digestive health and potentially help with internal parasite management.

Important Safety: Wear gloves and a dust mask during application. Diatomaceous earth can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Apply in well-ventilated areas. Avoid creating dust clouds.

Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place with lid sealed. Must remain completely dry to be effective - moisture renders diatomaceous earth ineffective.

What Makes It Special?

Red Mite Powder represents nature's ingenious solution to one of poultry keeping's most persistent problems. Unlike chemical treatments that parasites can develop resistance to, diatomaceous earth works through simple mechanical action that can never be overcome through evolution or adaptation.

Under a microscope, diatomaceous earth reveals its secret - each particle is covered in microscopically sharp edges formed from the fossilised silica shells of ancient single-celled algae called diatoms. When mites, lice, or fleas crawl through this powder, these sharp edges scratch and pierce their protective waxy coating. Without this coating, the parasites cannot retain moisture and gradually dehydrate over several hours to days.

What makes this particularly valuable is the dual-purpose nature. Whilst primarily used for external parasite control in the coop environment, food-grade diatomaceous earth can also be added to feed where it may help support digestive health and potentially assist with internal parasite management. The silica content provides trace minerals, whilst the mild abrasive action may help cleanse the digestive tract.

The larger tub format (1kg and 2kg options) provides excellent value for comprehensive coop treatment and ongoing maintenance. Breaking a red mite infestation requires consistent, repeated applications over weeks - having adequate supply ensures you can maintain the intensive schedule needed to eliminate populations completely.

Perfect for: Red mite control in coops, treating lice and flea infestations, dust bath enhancement, preventative parasite management, feed additive for digestive support, organic and natural poultry keeping, long-term maintenance programmes


 
Ingredients

Ingredients

100% Natural Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth (Fossilised Diatom Remains)

What Diatomaceous Earth Does

Mechanical Parasite Control

Diatomaceous earth consists of the fossilised remains of diatoms - microscopic single-celled algae with silica-based shells. These fossilised shells create particles with microscopically sharp, jagged edges. When parasites like red mites, lice, or fleas come into contact with diatomaceous earth, these sharp edges scratch and pierce their protective waxy exoskeleton. This damage allows moisture to escape from the parasite's body, causing gradual dehydration and death over hours to days.

No Resistance Development

Because diatomaceous earth works mechanically rather than chemically, parasites cannot develop immunity or resistance. Chemical pesticides work by disrupting biological processes, which parasites can evolve to overcome. Physical abrasion cannot be adapted to, making diatomaceous earth effective indefinitely.

Digestive Support (When Used as Feed Additive)

When food-grade diatomaceous earth is added to feed at 1-2%, the mild abrasive action may help cleanse the digestive tract. Some research suggests it may improve feed digestibility and nutrient absorption, though this benefit is still being studied. The silica content provides trace minerals that support overall health.

Internal Parasite Management

Traditional use suggests diatomaceous earth added to feed may help manage internal parasites. The theory is that sharp particles damage internal parasites similarly to external ones. However, scientific evidence for this use is limited, and diatomaceous earth should complement, not replace, proper veterinary-recommended deworming protocols.

Environmental Desiccant

Beyond parasite control, diatomaceous earth absorbs moisture in the environment, helping keep coops and nest boxes drier. This creates less favourable conditions for parasites and pathogens that thrive in humid environments.

Mineral Supplementation

Diatomaceous earth contains naturally-occurring trace minerals including silica, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Whilst not a primary mineral source, these contribute minor nutritional benefits when used as a feed additive.

Breaking the Red Mite Lifecycle

Understanding red mite biology explains why intensive initial treatment is necessary:

Day 1-2: Eggs hatch into larvae
Day 3-4: Larvae develop into nymphs

Day 5-7: Nymphs mature into adults capable of reproduction
Day 7+: Adult females lay 20-30 eggs before dying

Because diatomaceous earth doesn't kill eggs, newly hatched mites emerge after each application. The intensive 3-5 day reapplication schedule for 2-3 weeks ensures you eliminate each generation before they can reproduce, eventually breaking the cycle completely.

Important Safety Information

Respiratory Protection Required

Always wear a dust mask when applying diatomaceous earth. The fine particles can irritate respiratory passages if inhaled. Apply in well-ventilated areas and avoid creating dust clouds.

Skin & Eye Protection

Wear gloves during application as diatomaceous earth can cause skin irritation and dryness in some individuals. Avoid contact with eyes - the abrasive particles can scratch delicate eye tissues.

Food-Grade vs Pool-Grade

This product is food-grade diatomaceous earth, safe for use around animals and as a feed additive. Never use pool-grade or filter-grade diatomaceous earth, which has been heat-treated and contains crystalline silica that's harmful to lungs.

Effectiveness Requires Dryness

Diatomaceous earth only works when completely dry. Moisture causes particles to clump together, eliminating the sharp edges and rendering it ineffective. Apply to dry surfaces and reapply after rain or coop cleaning.

Not a Standalone Solution

Whilst effective, diatomaceous earth works best as part of comprehensive parasite management including regular coop cleaning, proper ventilation, and monitoring flock health.
FAQ's

What size should I choose - 1kg or 2kg?

For a single intensive treatment of a small coop, 1kg may suffice. However, breaking a red mite infestation requires repeated applications over 2-3 weeks, plus ongoing maintenance. Most chicken keepers find the 2kg tub offers better value for comprehensive treatment programmes.

How does diatomaceous earth kill mites and parasites?

It works mechanically, not chemically. The microscopically sharp edges of fossilised diatom shells scratch and pierce the waxy protective coating on parasites' bodies. Without this coating, they cannot retain moisture and gradually dehydrate, dying over several hours to days.

Why do I need to apply it so frequently during infestations?

Diatomaceous earth doesn't kill red mite eggs. Eggs hatch every few days, producing new mites. The intensive 3-5 day reapplication schedule ensures you eliminate each generation before they can reproduce, eventually breaking the lifecycle completely.

How long does it take to eliminate a red mite infestation?

With the intensive treatment protocol (application every 3-5 days), most infestations are controlled within 2-3 weeks. Severe infestations may require longer. Continue weekly maintenance applications to prevent re-infestation.

Can I apply it directly to my chickens?

Yes, apply powder under wings, around the vent, and through feathers where parasites congregate. Avoid creating dust clouds near their face. Repeat every 7-10 days during active infestations. Always wear a dust mask yourself during application.

Is it safe to add to their feed?

Food-grade diatomaceous earth (like this product) can be added to feed at 1-2% (10-20g per kg of feed). This may support digestive health and provide trace minerals. Never use pool-grade or filter-grade diatomaceous earth internally.

Why must I wear a dust mask?

The fine particles can irritate respiratory passages if inhaled in quantity. Whilst food-grade diatomaceous earth isn't toxic, the mechanical irritation to lungs from any fine dust should be avoided. Protect yourself during application.

Will this completely eliminate red mite infestations?

Diatomaceous earth is very effective but works best as part of comprehensive management. Combine with thorough coop cleaning before treatment, treating all cracks and crevices, consistent reapplication schedule, and ongoing monitoring.

Can parasites become resistant to diatomaceous earth?

No! Because it works mechanically (physical abrasion) rather than chemically, parasites cannot develop resistance or immunity. This is a major advantage over chemical treatments.

Why isn't it working for me?

The most common reasons are: (1) Moisture - must be completely dry to work, (2) Insufficient coverage - must treat ALL cracks and hiding spots, (3) Inconsistent reapplication - must maintain the intensive schedule to break the lifecycle, (4) Not cleaning first - organic matter reduces effectiveness.

Can I use this for other animals?

Yes, food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for most animals. It's commonly used for dogs, cats, horses, and other livestock for both external parasite control and as a feed additive. Follow species-appropriate application rates.

Is this the same as the diatomaceous earth for pools?

No! Pool-grade diatomaceous earth has been heat-treated, creating crystalline silica that's dangerous to lungs. Always use food-grade diatomaceous earth for animals. This product is food-grade and safe.

How should I store it?

Keep in a cool, dry place with lid sealed tightly. Moisture is diatomaceous earth's enemy - once wet, it loses effectiveness. Properly stored dry diatomaceous earth lasts indefinitely.

Can I use this during egg laying?

Yes, there's no withdrawal period. Eggs are safe to eat when using diatomaceous earth in the coop or as a feed additive. It's a natural, non-toxic substance.
Shipping

We prepare and send orders within 1–2 business days. Standard delivery with Swiss Post usually arrives in 3–5 working days. Once your order has been shipped, we’ll let you know by email. For complete details, please see our Full Shipping Policy.
Returns

If you're not completely satisfied, you can return unused items within 14 days for a full refund. Please refer to our Returns Policy for more information.

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