California Caged Layer Pest Management Evaluation

Abstract

California caged-layer poultry producers were surveyed regarding current pest management practices for insects, mites, weeds, pathogens, rodents, and other vertebrate pests. In order of perceived importance, producers identified house flies, Fannia flies (little house flies), northern fowl mites, and mice as the most significant pests. Less serious pests included ground squirrels, rats, wild birds, darkling beetles, weeds, and pathogens; typically these pests were not present in high numbers or were considered easy to control. While biological, mechanical, and cultural controls are regularly employed in most pest suppression systems, pesticides are still considered an important component of virtually all poultry pest management programs.