How is Johnson's Poultry Mite and Lice Powder different from the Poultry Housing Spray?

The two products work in fundamentally different ways and serve complementary roles in a poultry pest management routine. The Poultry Housing Spray contains synthetic insecticides (Permethrin, Tetramethrin and the IGR S-Methoprene) and must never be applied directly to birds; it is strictly a housing treatment. The Mite and Lice Powder is made from natural Diatomaceous Earth and is safe to apply directly to birds as well as in the coop and bedding. Using both in combination gives the most comprehensive protection; the powder treats the birds directly while the spray provides longer-term protection in the housing environment.

How does Diatomaceous Earth kill mites and lice?

Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring siliceous powder made from fossilised algae. Unlike chemical insecticides, it does not kill through toxicity; instead, the microscopic sharp particles physically damage and destroy the waxy outer coating of insects, causing them to lose moisture rapidly and dehydrate. This mechanical action means insects cannot develop resistance to it the way they can to chemical treatments. It is non-toxic to birds, mammals and humans at normal use concentrations.

Is it safe to eat eggs from hens treated with this powder?

Yes; eggs from laying hens treated with Johnson's Poultry Mite and Lice Powder are safe to eat throughout the treatment period. There is no withdrawal period required because the product is non-toxic Diatomaceous Earth with no chemical active ingredients that could carry through into egg production. This makes it one of the few poultry mite treatments that can be used continuously on productive laying hens without interruption to egg use.

How often should I apply Johnson's Poultry Mite and Lice Powder?

The powder should be applied regularly as part of an ongoing pest management routine rather than only when an active infestation is visible. Red mite in particular is notoriously difficult to eradicate once established because the mites hide in cracks and crevices during the day and only emerge at night to feed. Regular dusting of the birds and the housing creates a consistent dry, hostile environment for mites and lice. During summer months when mite populations peak, more frequent application is advisable.