Ask Dr. Bug - Darkling Beetles

<<< BACK

I need more information on darkling beetle control. Information needed is for broilers; we have hens. Hens are housed for 47 weeks. Cleanout time is 3-4 weeks. No control of temperature is available. Would be afraid to use any products when hens are in house. Suggestions?

What you described is exactly what every poultry house is going through. Darkling beetles will flourish because there are no products labeled for use on the litter when the hens are present. The only time an insecticide application can be made is during your clean out time.

We can recommend a combination of Pyrishield (Insect Growth Regulator) and Optishield (Adulticide) application to the litter at clean out time.

Darkling beetles will also infest walls as well so the use of a labeled insecticides that can be applied into the wall voids will help in keeping the numbers down.