Flies, Mites & Parasite Control in Summer

Let’s be honest: summer is paradise for bugs… and a total nightmare for chicken keepers.

The heat, humidity, and long days bring out every creepy-crawly you don’t want near your coop — flies, mites, lice, mosquitoes, and all the tiny freeloaders that can make your chickens miserable. I’ve had my share of coop infestations and itchy birds, and after years of trial and error, I’ve found what works before things get out of hand.

Here’s how I keep my flock itch-free and my coop bug-smart through the hottest months of the year.

1. Keep the Coop Dry — Moisture Attracts Trouble

It all starts here. Wet bedding, spilled water, and poop buildup create the perfect breeding ground for flies and mites.

What I do:

• Switch to sand or straw in the summer (dries out faster than shavings).
• Add sweet PDZ or a coop refresher to help absorb ammonia.
• Spot-clean droppings daily and do a deep clean every 2 weeks in hot weather.

🔍 Mites love dark, damp corners — especially roost bars and nesting boxes. Don’t forget to check those spots!

2. Dust Baths: Your Flock’s Natural Defense

Chickens are smart. They dust bathe to control mites and lice on their own — but they need the right spot to do it.

My go-to dust mix:

• Fine dirt or sand
• Wood ash (from a clean fire source)
• Diatomaceous earth (food grade — just a sprinkle)

I keep their dust bath in a shaded, dry area and refresh it weekly. Some folks use old tires, plastic totes, or even under a porch as a bath zone.

3. Coop Ventilation = Fewer Flies

Flies thrive in warm, still air. Increasing airflow in the coop not only cools your birds, but helps cut down fly activity.

Try this:

• Open up screened vents or install a solar fan
• Keep feeders and waterers outside the coop
• Clean up spills and fermenting feed

I added a small solar vent fan last year, and it’s been a game changer — way less fly buzz and better air quality for the girls.

4. Natural Fly Repellents That Actually Work

Skip the toxic sprays — there are safer, chicken-friendly options that smell great and help deter bugs.

Ideas to try:

• Herbs like mint, basil, lemon balm, and lavender in nesting boxes or hanging bundles in the coop
• Apple cider vinegar (a few tablespoons in waterers)
• Garlic powder in feed to help repel internal and external parasites

Bonus: I hang mesh bags of dried herbs near their favorite roost spots — cute and functional!

5. Keep Wild Birds & Rodents Away

Wild birds and mice can carry mites into your coop, especially in summer when everyone’s looking for food.

Preventive tips:

• Use rodent-proof feeders
• Clean up spilled feed daily
• Cover open vents with ¼” hardware cloth

Also, don’t let wild birds bathe in your flock’s dust bath or use your waterers.

6. Quarantine New Birds & Watch for Warning Signs

Summer is a popular time to expand your flock — but it’s also when diseases and parasites spread fastest.

What to watch for:

• Chickens constantly scratching or preening
• Bald patches near the vent, neck, or under wings
• Tiny dark specks around the vent or base of feathers (mite droppings)

If you bring in new birds, isolate them for at least 2 weeks and check them head to toe before adding to the coop.

7. Treating an Active Infestation? Here’s What I Use

If things get bad (been there), act fast. For external parasites like lice and mites, these are my go-to tools:

• Poultry dust (permethrin-based, follow directions carefully)
• Elector PSP (a bit pricey but safe and super effective)
• Diatomaceous earth around roosts, corners, and bedding edges

Just remember: treat the coop and all birds, even if only one shows signs.

Final Thoughts

Summer parasites are annoying, but they don’t have to take over your coop. With a clean setup, good airflow, herbal helpers, and regular checks, your chickens can enjoy the season just like you do — scratching, dust bathing, and soaking up the sun (without the itch).