The use of permethrin to control an outbreak of hen fleas (Ceratophyllus gallinae)

Complaints from workers suffering from insect bites led to the investigation of three broiler breeder houses. These houses were found to be infested with the hen flea, Ceratophyllus gallinae. Large numbers of adult fleas and larvae were extracted by Tullgren funnel from samples of wood shavings used as nest box material. Lower numbers were extracted from the litter under these nest boxes. A pilot trial using infested nest boxes and floor litter showed good control of adult fleas and larvae could be obtained using a .25% spray prepared from a permethrin water dispersable powder. In more extensive trials the following year, almost complete control of hen fleas and larvae was obtained following monthly treatments of nest boxes with a .125% permethrin spray or a 1% permethrin powder.