In a paper published on Nanotech_Now, he says that these insidious insects are difficult to see, hunt at night and target roosting hens, feeding on their blood.

Red Mite change colour from brown to red following a full meal.

They leave chickens irritable, aggressive, reduce their productivity (can prevent laying) and cause anaemia throughout flocks.

Poultry farmers try all sorts of solutions to reduce infestation, from power-washing and aggressive chemical sprays (some try annual diesel washes to sheds) to even using flame-throwers.

The insects breed rapidly in a seven day cycle, are active in the warm summer months and can be very distressing to flocks and financially challenging to businesses.

He says that Red Mite can live for six months without food, are difficult to locate and can replicate quickly.

He adds that whilst test are still ongoing, treatment of key surfaces areas within poultry sheds with Nano-Fluids can lead to major benefits for the protection and hygiene of poultry stock.

"Nano smart fluids by mimicking natural insect repellent molecules can drive lice and red mite out of buildings for ever," he says.

Further Reading

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