Bedbug behavior is much like that of chicken mites. Bedbugs feed on birds only at night and only for a short time. The rest of the time they hide in cracks and crevices. They are seldom a problem in caged-layer operations, but they can be important pests in breeder houses because of the availability of numerous daytime hiding places. Bedbugs in large numbers consume much blood from a flock and can cause weig ht loss, lowered egg production, and lowered feed efficiency.
Bedbugs can survive one to several months, depending on temperature, without a blood meal.
Therefore, they can easily survive an empty house between flocks. The best way to check for bedbugs is to use a flashlight to inspect carefully cracks, crevices, sl ats, and nest boxes. The best control method is a high-pressure spray treatment of the premises, making sure cracks and crevices are thoroughly treated. This can best be done in an empty house between flocks. A second treatment is recommended 10 days later to control those th at hatch after the first treatment.