CCE eee : Sa 
254 INSECTS AFFECTING DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 
described for many years, though in many works it is confused with 
the preceding species or considered simply a variety of that form. Its 
distribution seems to extend pretty generally over the world where 
domestic fowls are kept. 
The full-grown mites are about 1 mm. long, of a light gray or whitish 
color, with dark patches showing through the skin, but when full fed 
have a distinct red color. They swarm in cracks and corners of the 
henhouse, and often, when numerous, over ail surrounding objects, and 
at such times are liable to become a great pest to man and such other 
animals as they may get access to. 
It is possible that the presence of filth may favor their increase, as 
it would seem possible for them to use fluid matter as food aside from 
Fia. 152.—Dermanyssus galline: a, adult; b, tarsus; c, mouth-parts; d and e, young—all enlarged 
(original). 
the blood of their ordinary hosts. A writer in the Poultry World, evi- 
dently a practical poultry keeper, says: 
The mites will breed in the droppings. Rotten nest eggs are good sources. They 
swarm in myriads where an egg has been broken in the nest. The heat from the 
body of the hen on the nest hatches them by the millions. Every crack and crevice 
contains them. They come out on the roost at night, like bed-bugs, and prey on the 
birds. 
The dust bath is considered of use in checking this pest, but where 
there is a general infestation, I believe the best plan will be found to 
clear the house, then spray well with kerosene or kerosene emulsion, 
taking pains to reach the cracks; thoroughly drench the roosts with 
hot water or kerosene, benzine, or gasoline, whitewash the house, or 
dust with carbolated lime, and then daub the ends of the roosts, where | 
they come in contact with supports, with coal tar, so the mites will 
have to cross it to reach the fowls, 
