Some poultry farmers regard treating red mite as an expense to be avoided. Perhaps because they think they will not get red mite, or they have not quantified the potential economics losses.

If, for example, one egg per week per bird at peak production was lost due to the effect of red mite, the cost per egg on average was six and a half pence; a typical 12,000–bird free–range layer unit could lose just under £800.

There are many red mite control products on the market, however, Fossilshield is a non-toxic diatomaceous earth and is unique in its ability to accept an electrostatic charge due to its high resistance to moisture. As the mites attempt to remove Fossilshield from their skin, the powder begins to scratch away their waxy outer layer, exposing the fatty tissue underneath. The powder then dries this tissue, killing the insect naturally.

The Fossilshield + PCS Poultry Services professional on-site service provides an electrostatic charge application allowing the powder to grip and wrap around different surfaces and materials, vertical or horizontal, and provides an easier treatment solution to areas that are awkward to reach by hand.

There is no active ingredient in Fossilshield for the mite to build up a resistance and the product can be used turnaround after turnaround.