If possible, clean storage areas thoroughly and treat with a pesticide, such as cyfluthrin. If necessary, stored commodities can be fumigated to disinfest them. Fumigation should be performed by persons holding the appropriate North Carolina pesticide applicator's license or certification . For example, straw that is used for livestock beddding or feed should only be treated with a pesticide labeled for such use. Mite populations build up rapidly and a generation can be completed in 5 to 12 days.
Several generations occur each year.
Northern fowl mite spends virtually its entire life on the host bird. It can survive off a host for about a week or so. Mites that fall off host birds may be found wandering indoors. In poultry houses, they are sometimes found in the litter or on eggs, crates and cages. Unlike NFM, the chicken mite spends much of its time off the host bird, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day and feeding at night.