Learning how to prevent red mites is one of the most valuable skills a chicken keeper can have, because stopping these tiny parasites before they take hold is far easier than clearing an established infestation. Red mites are nocturnal, blood-sucking parasites that hide in the coop by day and feed on your hens at night. They can appear at any time of year, but the warmth of summer creates ideal conditions for them to breed very quickly.
The good news is that red mite prevention comes down to a few consistent habits: keeping the coop clean, choosing surfaces that give mites nowhere to hide, checking your birds regularly, and being careful about what (and who) comes into your flock. Below are our top tips to avoid red mites and keep your hens healthy and comfortable.
Short answer: Prevent red mites by cleaning the coop regularly, using smooth easy-clean surfaces with few crevices, inspecting perches and birds often, quarantining new hens and second-hand equipment, and staying extra vigilant in warm weather.
1. Learn the warning signs so you can act early
The first step in red mite prevention is knowing what to look for, so you can stop a small problem from becoming a big one. Have your chickens started refusing to go into the coop at night, preferring to roost outside instead? Do they seem weaker, paler around the comb or unusually lethargic?
If so, it is time to check the inside of your coop carefully for evidence of red mite. A simple test is to wrap a sheet of pale card or a cardboard strip around the perch and check it the following morning, looking inside for any mites sheltering there overnight. For a full walkthrough of what mites look like and the damage they do, see our guide on how to recognise red mites and their effects on poultry, and our companion article on how to spot, treat and prevent red mite.
2. Clean the coop regularly to stop red mites in the chicken coop
Good coop hygiene is the single most important way to prevent red mites. A regular cleaning routine removes droppings, dust and debris before mites can establish themselves. Ideally, droppings trays should be emptied every morning, and the coop given a quick weekly clean to clear any droppings that miss the trays.
Once a month, give the coop a deeper clean: empty it completely, brush out every corner and crevice, then hose down or pressure-wash the inside and outside. Pay particular attention to perch ends, joints and any gaps, as these are exactly where mites like to shelter during the day.
This is where the coop material makes a real difference. Nestera coops are made from smooth, easy-clean recycled plastic rather than timber. Wooden coops are riddled with cracks, knots and joints that give red mites endless places to hide and lay eggs, and porous wood holds moisture so it dries slowly. Our recycled-plastic surfaces leave mites almost nowhere to shelter, wipe down easily and dry extremely quickly. With large rear hatches, removable roofs and detachable nest boxes, the whole coop opens up so you can reach every surface, which makes a thorough clean genuinely quick. For more on why this matters, read 8 reasons to avoid wooden coops.
3. Choose droppings-tray bedding that does not shelter mites
Many keepers use straw to catch droppings, but red mites love straw: the hollow strands make a perfect daytime hiding place. Better choices for droppings trays are wood chips, sawdust or wood ash, which give mites far less cover. Our reusable droppings trays are designed to slide out for quick emptying, which keeps your daily routine simple. For more options, see our guide to the best bedding for chicken coops.
Interestingly, our ancestors used dried fern as a natural mite deterrent when keeping poultry. You can dry fern leaves yourself and add them to your trays as an extra preventative measure.
4. Check your birds and limit visiting wildlife
Red mites often arrive on the backs of wild birds. Visiting birds may use your hens' feeder or drinker and bring mites with them, which then hitch a ride into the coop on your chickens. Using a net or an anti-pest feeder reduces the food scraps that attract wild birds, which in turn lowers the risk of contamination.
It also pays to handle and inspect your own hens regularly. Part the feathers around the vent and under the wings, where mites and lice tend to gather, so you can catch any problem early. Our step-by-step guide explains exactly how to check your hen for lice and red mites.
5. Quarantine new birds and second-hand equipment
Whenever you add to your flock, quarantine the new arrivals before they mix with your existing hens. This prevents any red mites (or other parasites and diseases) coming in with them. Inspect every new bird closely for signs of mites, lice or ill health before introducing it. When you are ready to integrate them, our guide on how to introduce new hens to your flock walks you through it calmly.
The same caution applies to equipment. Second-hand coops, perches, feeders and nest boxes can carry mite eggs hidden in cracks and seams. If you buy used kit, clean and inspect it thoroughly before it goes anywhere near your birds, paying special attention to crevices and perch sockets.
Stay extra vigilant in warm weather
Red mites multiply fastest in warm conditions, so during late spring and summer it is worth stepping up your routine. Check perches and crevices more often, empty droppings trays daily, and keep an eye on whether your hens are happy to roost indoors at night. A little extra vigilance through the warm months is the easiest way to stop red mites in the chicken coop before they get a foothold.
What to do if you find red mites
If you do find an infestation, clean the coop thoroughly as soon as possible. Nestera coops can be easily dismantled and reassembled for cleaning, so you can reach every surface. Brush every corner with a stiff brush, then hose or pressure-wash all surfaces; the recycled plastic dries quickly so the coop is ready to use again sooner. For any parasite treatment, illness or medication, always speak to your vet or a qualified poultry specialist rather than self-treating, as they can advise on the right approach for your flock.
Frequently asked questions about preventing red mites
How do I prevent red mites in my chicken coop?
Clean the coop regularly, empty droppings trays daily, use smooth easy-clean surfaces with few crevices, inspect perches and birds often, quarantine new hens and used equipment, and be extra vigilant in warm weather.
Does coop material affect red mites?
Yes. Timber coops have cracks, knots and joints where mites hide and breed, and porous wood dries slowly. Smooth recycled-plastic coops like Nestera's give mites far fewer hiding places and dry quickly after washing, making them red-mite resistant.
What bedding helps avoid red mites?
Avoid straw, as its hollow strands shelter mites. Wood chips, sawdust or wood ash in the droppings trays give mites less cover, and dried fern can be added as a natural deterrent.
When are red mites most active?
Red mites can appear year-round but breed fastest in warm weather, so they are most active in late spring and summer. Step up your cleaning and inspection routine during these months.
Make red mite prevention easy with a Nestera coop
The simplest way to stay on top of red mites is to choose a coop that is quick to clean and offers mites nowhere to hide. Our recycled-plastic chicken coops have smooth, easy-clean surfaces, large hatches and removable parts, so a thorough wash takes minutes rather than hours, and they are backed by a 25-year guarantee. Explore our red-mite-resistant recycled-plastic coop range and give your hens a healthier, more comfortable home.
