About a day after feeding, the female lays eggs in cracks and crevices. The eggs hatch, and the mites develop into adults in about a week. During cold weather, the cycle is slower. A poultry house remains infested 4 to 5 months after it is vacated. Since the mite feeds on wild birds, they may be responsible for some infestations, but spread more likely is caused by using contaminated coops.
Human carriers are important.
Since these mites do not stay on the birds during the day, apply treatment only to the houses and equipment and not to the birds. Heavy infestations result in lowered condition of the birds and lower egg production, as well as a scabby skin condition. This mite remains on the bird and does more damage than the common chicken mite. It resembles the common chicken mite, but is differentiated in that it is present on birds in large numbers during the day. It prefers the feathers below the vent and around the tail, but can be found on all parts of the body.