Red mites in livestock: how to react effectively to infestation?

In laying hen farming, episodes of red mites infestation can quickly become critical. Stress for the animals, drop in production, deterioration in egg quality… The consequences are both sanitary and economic.

When faced with a build-up of pressure, the key is not just to act quickly, but to act methodically. Here are the essential steps for effectively managing an infestation, from detection to lasting stabilization.

When an infestation is suspected, the first mistake would be to intervene without a precise assessment. However, the success of the strategy depends above all on a good knowledge of the level of pest pressure.

Setting up red mites traps in the building is an essential starting point. Positioned in refuge areas (perches, nests, structures), they provide an objective view of the situation. Monitoring should be carried out on a regular basis – ideally every month – to identify trends and not just crisis situations.

The results obtained can then be used to classify the infestation according to different levels, from weak to critical. This reading is essential, as it determines the type of response required. A moderate infestation cannot be managed in the same way as an acute episode.

With this in mind, the use of a tracking tool like Acaritool enhances decision-making. By centralizing counting data, it becomes possible to :

This approach enables us to move from “intuitive” management to data-driven management. In other words, we no longer suffer infestations: we anticipate them.

When indicators show high pressure, the challenge is to rapidly reduce the mites population to limit the impact on the animals.

However, this step must be strictly reasoned. Repeated or poorly controlled use of chemical solutions can have a number of undesirable effects: the development of resistance, higher costs, and increased regulatory constraints.

That’s why this curative action phase must always be part of a broader strategy.

Once the pressure has been reduced, it is essential to follow up with an in-depth approach designed to prevent relapses. The Acari®program is part of this ongoing management approach.

This program is based on the combination of two complementary types of action:

The advantage of this combination is that it acts on both the animal and its environment, enabling better control of the parasite’s cycle.

First and foremost, we need to be able to adjust our practices according to the actual situation. Dosages and protocols must evolve in line with :

This ongoing adaptation enables us to move from a curative approach to a dynamic, preventive management approach.

Moreover, effectiveness depends on a combination of approaches. The combination of one-off chemical treatments and continuous natural solutions enables us to maintain a low level of infestation while limiting the need for heavy treatments. This strategy also helps to slow down the emergence of resistance and keep pace with regulatory changes.

At the same time, observation of the animals remains a valuable indicator. Any deterioration in behavior (stress, agitation), performance (drop in egg-laying rate) or general condition should be interpreted as a warning signal. In such situations, it is essential to quickly readjust the protocol.

Finally, the implementation of an annual management plan is a decisive lever. By anticipating periods favorable to red mites, planning interventions and structuring monitoring, seasonal infestations can be controlled rather than suffered.

In the face of red mites, effectiveness is based on a structured approach in three key stages:

The ultimate goal is not to totally eliminate the parasite – an often illusory objective – but to stabilize its level at a controlled threshold, compatible with the performance of the farm and the well-being of the animals.

Rigorous management thus makes it possible to reconcile technical efficiency, cost control and sustainable practices.