Nor-Mite®: In-feed repellent to contribute to the control of red mite populations in poultry breeding

Red mites are ectoparasites that live at the expense of laying hens. Their presence in laying farms has deleterious economic and health consequences. Their short life cycle and ability to survive without eating enable poultry red mites to proliferate, which makes them particularly difficult to remove from farms. 

Resistance and short life cycle

The red mite’s life cycle is divided into 5 stages (see diagram) leading to adulthood in just seven days, under optimal conditions (a temperature of 25°C and a 70% humidity). In comparison, the mosquito becomes an adult after one month and a tick after one year. First, the red mite egg becomes larva, then protonymph («Nymph 1»), then deutonymph («Nymph 2»), and finally it reaches the adult stage. Only the last three stages of the life cycle require a blood meal to reach the next phase. Adult female red mites also need just one blood meal to lay eggs while adult males occasionally feed from blood. During the other life stages (nymph) red mites can survive almost nine months without feeding. The acari is also able to support high temperature variations.

Speed of reproduction

Although the fertility of red mites is lower than other ectoparasites, a female can produce up to eight egg-laying cycles. Each cycle is able to produce between 1 to 8 eggs, with an average of 23 eggs in their lifetime.

(references: Bon, 2006 ; Roy, 2008 Sparagano et al., 2014 ; Tucci et al, 2008 ; François, 2008 ; Olivier, 1996 ; Nordenfors et al, 1999.)