Are Mosquitoes Bad For Chickens?
WouterWhether you have backyard chickens or not, you may wonder if mosquitoes are bad for chickens. In the western world, they are not a significant problem. However, mosquitoes can carry many diseases, including West Nile virus, and malaria.
One of the most serious diseases is malaria. It is spread by the Anopheles genus of mosquitoes. A single infection with malaria can kill. These mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. You can prevent them from multiplying by eliminating any standing water, including water in rain gutters and potted plants.
There are several types of mosquito repellent sprays. Some of these are safe for chickens. You can use a commercial product or try a natural solution. There are also some oils that are known to deter mosquitoes, such as citronella oil. You can mix these oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to make them a safe alternative.
While chickens do not attract mosquitoes, they can still be bitten. Studies have shown that adult mosquitoes are less likely to bite chickens than humans. They target exposed flesh, and often bite through objects. This can be a problem inside the coop, especially if mosquitoes are looking for blood.
The best solution to protect your chickens from mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water. There are other methods that can be used to repel flies, but they can still be a problem.
In addition to dumping out water sources, you can keep your chickens safe by using a citronella oil spray. This can be placed in their nesting boxes. Lemongrass is another great way to deter mosquitoes.
