Bugs invade during summer and lice and mites can be a big problem passing from pets to humans. I recommend using Diotomaceous Earth (DE) (food grade) on your pets and their housing and dust bathing areas first. Pestene is an alternative dusting powder but has more of a chemical base (not natural).
Then investigate if you have lice in your house in your soft furnishings. Use DE on furnishings too, but do not use or sit upon the items you have dusted. DE is very drying, so when applying it please cover up FULLY and use a dust mask and gloves. DE will suffocate the bugs. Its completely natural and very effective.
DE is NOT a cure but a preventative.
Get the dust into ALL cracks and crevices - wherever tiny bugs can hide.
Use a tomato sauce squeezy bottle for application.
If using on soft furnishings, leave for at least 24hrs and then vacuum. DE is normally recommended for treating bed bug infestations, too.
Please do not apply to your skin. Once your pets and home are treated, seek medical advice. And give all of your clothes a thorough hot wash.
To avoid future infestations, regularly dust your pets with Pestene or DE. Schedule worming and dusting every 3 months for best results. Do not use swimming pool grade DE.
Check for lice on hens by holding them upside down by their feet. Inspect around their bottom, and check the base of the feathers for any crustiness. Feathers should be clean, if they show any signs of crustiness this is a definite sign of lice and needs to be treated immediately with pest dust.
BUT...
When Pestene is not enough, give the hens a soak in Maldison 50. It is an insecticide wash or spray.
The ratio is 500ml to 8 Litres.
If you find that mites are on you - fix immediately. Hot wash everything!!! Yes, you can spray a little Maldison on your clothing before removal. Best to wear a disposable coverall suit if you know you are dealing with mites.
Then investigate if you have lice in your house in your soft furnishings. Use DE on furnishings too, but do not use or sit upon the items you have dusted. DE is very drying, so when applying it please cover up FULLY and use a dust mask and gloves. DE will suffocate the bugs. Its completely natural and very effective.
DE is NOT a cure but a preventative.
Get the dust into ALL cracks and crevices - wherever tiny bugs can hide.
Use a tomato sauce squeezy bottle for application.
If using on soft furnishings, leave for at least 24hrs and then vacuum. DE is normally recommended for treating bed bug infestations, too.
Please do not apply to your skin. Once your pets and home are treated, seek medical advice. And give all of your clothes a thorough hot wash.
To avoid future infestations, regularly dust your pets with Pestene or DE. Schedule worming and dusting every 3 months for best results. Do not use swimming pool grade DE.
Check for lice on hens by holding them upside down by their feet. Inspect around their bottom, and check the base of the feathers for any crustiness. Feathers should be clean, if they show any signs of crustiness this is a definite sign of lice and needs to be treated immediately with pest dust.
BUT...
When Pestene is not enough, give the hens a soak in Maldison 50. It is an insecticide wash or spray.
The ratio is 500ml to 8 Litres.
If you find that mites are on you - fix immediately. Hot wash everything!!! Yes, you can spray a little Maldison on your clothing before removal. Best to wear a disposable coverall suit if you know you are dealing with mites.
WHERE TO BUY DE and Pestene:
- Most fodder/pet stores will stock food grade Diotomaceous Earth (DE).
Recommended: Oliver's Pets & Plants at Glengowrie, SA - Online: PlanetPoultry.com
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