The best control strategy is to eliminate the mite's host insects. Surface sprays of malathion may be used in some storage areas. If necessary, stored commodities can be fumigated to disinfest them. Fumigation should be performed by persons holding the appropriate state pesticide applicator's license or certification. 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 of 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 of the host bird, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day and feeding at night.