Without a host chicken mites can live as long as 8 months.
Under very good conditions, both species of chicken mites can and will mature from egg to reproductive adult in as little as 7 days, allowing populations to build very quickly.
So you must get the chicken mites under control before they spread and affect your chickens.
To get rid of chicken mites in the chicken coop you can do the following.
- Spray the coop down with a high-pressure hose.
- Pour boiling water into the cracks and joints.
- Clean with dehydrated lime (wash thoroughly before letting your chickens back in).
- Wait until everything is dry, then dust with Pestene powder or diatomaceous earth.