Liquid Sprays for Mite Control

[scottfreidhof]

Thinking about controlling mites in nests for the first time in 2021. As an alternative to a popular insecticide dust to control mites, I would like to try a liquid spray. To avoid violating forum policy I won't name the product or provide a link. It is an all natural control for mites and bedbugs in homes. The active ingredients are sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium chloride, and citric acid. Has anyone tried a liquid spray product to control mites in martin housing?

[Conrad Baker]

No, I haven't. I have only used Sevin Dust, but you have my attention. I would like to hear if anyone else has had luck with it.

[Dave Duit]

Second option, Avian Insect Liquidator.

[BumBee]

There is a product named ZEVO. They claim it is safe to use around people and pets.
Can be found at Home Depot where bug and insects killer are found.

[flyin-lowe]

I don't think you violate any policy by mentioning the name of the product. People discuss Seven on here all the time. I am not certain about the product you are talking about but the issue with using Seven in the liquid form is that is loses it's effectiveness very quickly. Between the sun and rain it is not the best option. If there is a safe option that could be applied to the outside of the housing and would be affective I would definitely be interested. I just sprinkle the powder Seven under the front of each nest a day or two before eggs are due to hatch. This has always lasted long enough to keep the mites away until they fledge.

[Whippy]

... I just sprinkle the powder Seven under the front of each nest a day or two before eggs are due to hatch. This has always lasted long enough to keep the mites away until they fledge.

Flyin-lowe,

Not sure you do this as well but I put Sevin dust in the nest for when the adults return. Within few days of them staying in the gourds over night, I notice they no longer scratch and fidget all day long. Once the mites and fleas are off the parents, I don't see any infestation with the babies. I do monitor them all season so if I need to re-apply, I do so. Ive only had to re-apply in one nest each year.

Just thought I'd throw that at ya.

Coolwhips

[Dave Duit]

Avian Insect Liquidator.
Instant control of pests on contact with additional 6 week residual protection against reinfestation. Penetrates into the plumage of birds to kill mites and lice under the feathers and on the skin. 100% safe for use on all birds.
Recommended For:
Use on mites, lice, flies, spiders, ants or any situation where external parasites are a problem, including nest boxes, flights, perches, aviary floors, indoor cages and for direct application to the bird.
Of course don't drench the bird in spray or excess around the face. Follow directions.

[daveh]

I use sevin dust inside the compartments, about 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. under or sprinkled into the nest walls when eggs are being layed. I also use liquid sevin outside compartments like around entrances or around the gourd caps. Works great. Mites usually gone in a day.

Dave

[warbird]

I use sevin dust inside the compartments, about 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. under or sprinkled into the nest walls when eggs are being layed. I also use liquid sevin outside compartments like around entrances or around the gourd caps. Works great. Mites usually gone in a day.

Dave

same here works good

[dsonyay]

I just sprinkle the powder Seven under the front of each nest a day or two before eggs are due to hatch. This has always lasted long enough to keep the mites away until they fledge.

Great idea. I’m doing the same this year. I had a terrible mite problem last year. Never again.

David

[joyjazz]

Can you put anything in the houses to prevent mites/etc prior to them arriving? My houses are stacking ones and are hard to mess with after they've nested or have started to nest. Can you use the things they use for parakeets, that they put inside cages, something called "Bird Protector" 8 in 1"?

[flyin-lowe]

I don't know about that specific product but I have never heard of people using it. What type of housing do you have that makes it tough to open them up. I know not everyone can do it but ideally you would be opening each cavity every week or so just to check for dead babies, capped eggs, mites, and other issues.

[joyjazz]

My wooden houses are the kind that stack over the top of a 4 x 4, 3 layers. I'm 67, not strong enough to go up on ladder and lift houses off over the post and then I would disturb birds.

Not the best design, but have been working for 50 years.

[Spiderman]

... I just sprinkle the powder Seven under the front of each nest a day or two before eggs are due to hatch. This has always lasted long enough to keep the mites away until they fledge.

Flyin-lowe,

Not sure you do this as well but I put Sevin dust in the nest for when the adults return. Within few days of them staying in the gourds over night, I notice they no longer scratch and fidget all day long. Once the mites and fleas are off the parents, I don't see any infestation with the babies. I do monitor them all season so if I need to re-apply, I do so. Ive only had to re-apply in one nest each year.

Just thought I'd throw that at ya.

Coolwhips

I also apply Sevin dust before the Martins arrival. Then once again right before the eggs start hatching.

5% Sevin and 1/4 of a teaspoon will kill all of the mites in a gourd in 24 hours.