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How to Get Rid of Mites in Barn

Mites are small insects that belong to the same family as ticks. Many mites live in water and soil, but some mites are parasites that feed on animals, plants and mold. Mites can cause mange when they burrow into an animal's skin, laying eggs and feeding on their blood. This can result in scabby skin, itching and hair loss. Mites are highly contagious and can transfer from one animal to another in a short amount of time.

Things You'll Need

5 tbsp. dishwashing soap
1 gallon water
Bucket
Medicated soap
Diatomaceous earth

Instructions

- 1
  Isolate animals that are infected with mites. This will help prevent the mites from infesting the healthy animals.
- 2
  Remove all bedding from the barn and wash them on the hottest temperature your washer offers. Dry them on high heat as well to kill any remaining mites.
- 3
  Use insecticidal soap to kill mites. Mix 1 gallon of water with 5 tbsp. of dishwashing soap or detergent in a bucket to make 1 gallon of insecticidal solution to disinfect barn walls, floors, stalls or anywhere you may think mites are living.
- 4
  Wash infected animals with medicated shampoo prescribed by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will prescribe medication depending on what kind of mite has infected your animals.
- 5
  Spread some diatomaceous earth around your barn to kill mites. The fine powder has sharp edges that slice through the insect when it crawls over it, and it eventually causes death. You can find diatomaceous earth at your local garden center.

Insects & Science