Technical Tip Mitex Application for Pest Management in Poultry Systems

SUMMARY

• Red mite ( 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.
• Mighti-Flo contains diatomaceous earth.

USAGE IN ANIMAL HOUSING

• 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 Mighti-Flo.
• 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 Mighti-Flo 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).

USAGE OF MIGHTI-FLO IN SILO STORAGE

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.

USAGE OF MIGHTI-FLO FOR FLOOR STORAGE

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.

Want to see for yourself?

SHOP NOW