The world of biological control using natural enemies is
constantly evolving with new beneficial insects being discovered that we can
use to combat insect pests. Even pests that are not plant pests are not safe from biological control.
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| Red Mites |
One such example is the new predatory mite for control of red mite/ chicken
mite/Northern Fowl Mite in poultry and other birds. Androlaelaps casalis mites were
originally found in sparrow nests feeding on red mites. They were then tested
on poultry to see if they could be used as a natural solution for the control
of reds mites. The results were impressive and they are now available as a
product called ANDROLIS.
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| The effects of Red Mite |
Red mite [ Dermanyssus gallinae ] is a horrible
pest as it feeds on the blood of birds. Once it has fed, it drops to the floor.
Reproduction can be very fast, especially in the summer months and the build up
of mites on birds can cause severe distress to the bird, causing feather loss
and stress. Other symptoms include reduced egg laying and even cannibalism.
The
red mite has become resistant to many chemical treatments, making it
increasingly difficult to treat. The treatments that are available mainly act
upon the adults. This leaves eggs to hatch and a cycle of treatments that it is
difficult to stop. Often these treatments are un-pleasant for the birds and the
applicator.
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| Red Mite attacked by an Androlis Predator |
This is not true when using ANDROLIS. The predatory mites feed on
the entire life cycle of the red mites, this means they eat the eggs and
adults. The red mite is also not able to become resistant to being eaten! The
predatory mites will also search for the red mite by crawling into cracks and
crevices to pursue their prey. They do not generally go onto the birds but wait
for the mites to fall off.
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| Androlis L |
Androlis is supplied in various pack sizes
from the smallest unit, which treats up to 10 birds to the largest unit, which
treats up to 200 birds. The predators can be applied in two ways either by
sprinkling on the floor of the chicken coop or aviary. Here they consume the
red mites as they drop to the floor. They can also be applied to the sides of
the coops with a special aluminium clip that holds a bottle of Androlis onto
the side of the structure. This enables the predators to be released near
roosting areas and hiding areas of the mites. This is especially useful towards
the end of the season to prevent the red mites overwintering in cracks and
crevices.
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| Androlis with Applicator Clip |
If you are applying predators to the floor and cleaning out the
litter on a regular basis, remember you may also be taking out the predators,
so you will need to re-apply or apply using the applicator clip system.
Androlis predators are active down to temperatures of 12.c, after this activity
will cease. The best times for applying the predators is in the spring and in
July. The predators do die back, once red mites are consumed so may need repeat
treatment every 6-8 weeks to keep the balance of predators right. They do not
overwinter, so will need to be used each year if red mite appears.
This really
is a natural way of controlling this horrible pest and it not only provides a
safe method but an effective one.
Give your birds a break from chemical warfare
and try a more natural method with Androlis predatory mites!
Julian
