[Nikkijw]

Hi i was reading with interest solutions to the red mite issues after battling with mites myself this year in my little wooden coop. I think im on the right track now but not without having spent a small fortune & a great deal of time on steam cleaning, powders, drops, DE, poultry shield, jet washing, you name it, even lost one of my little ladys sadly.
I see a few have commented on creosote being great but understand its not available to general public due to its toxic nature. I wondered if any of the substitue products worked in the same way or is it something in the creosote partiularly that kills the mites - wasn't quite sure why/how the creosote worked here. Thanks

[lord flynn]

No, the alternatives don’t work. Creosote is toxic to everything really, so not a surprise that it’s toxic to mites.


Creosote can be found and is the most effective wood treatment-just air the treated shed well and wear appropriate protective clothing.

[Richmond]

The real solution to getting on top of mite is to spot it early. A lot of people just don't notice it till its too late. Get into the habit of cleaning out and checking houses weekly, or twice weekly in warm weather.  A friend of mine never uses creosote but applies DE in copious amounts and this works for her. She does however clean out and check the houses frequently.
I love creosote and agree with lord flynn it is the best solution, but being carcinogenic appreciate some people may shy away from using it.
Other preventative measures: never use straw as bedding as mites hide within it. Never have a felt roof on the house as mites will live underneath it and its an area you can't treat.