A vacuum technology can help cage-free egg producers mechanically eliminate red mite populations in houses and improve layer hen welfare.
The VacuMite technology uses a specifically designed perch with tiny holes that creates an environment where mites gather. During the day, the vacuum removes red mites from their hiding spots with an airflow that is created through air pressure in the perches. Then, the technology deposits the mites into a central collection bin where they are killed.
Niels Geraerts, VDL Jansen Product and Marketing Manager, stated: “The perch’s design with holes provides the mites with a perfect hide-out during the day because they are normally active at night. When the vacuum system starts, it removes the mites from the perch.”
Geraerts explained that the approach helps improve bird welfare due to the lack of chemicals and is an ideal solution for organic producers.
“The big plus for this system is the fact that it is completely free of chemicals, and the system does not need much maintenance. Mites also cannot get resistant to this method, as it is a mechanical principle,” he stated.
Removing red mites from the house daily helps to ensure that producers can keep their infestation under control. Additionally, Geraerts said that because the farmer is only investing in one piece of technology, versus annual pest control services, it can help save money.
The technology can only be used with VDL Jansen’s Comfort 2.0 and Comfort 2.0 Inside aviary systems due to the perch design needed to create the appropriate air pressure for vacuuming.
Why it’s important
Red mite infestations are a major animal welfare and economic issue for the poultry producers, especially in the egg industry. Infestations are more likely in cage-free environments, compared to caged, due to the birds having much more contact with each other.
Birds that are exposed to red mites may show an increase in feather-pecking, restlessness, irritation or aggression. Additionally, red mites act as disease vectors for Newcastle viruses.