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Permalink Reply by Daisy on December 9, 2011 at 10:06am

I would think that if they really had a bad mite problem then you would see some clear signs of bald patches, lots of scratching, and raised or scaly skin.  If you don't see any of this, then I would just let them be.  If the new owners are seeing some signs then maybe it's the change in environment or feed.  However, if you or they can actually see mites on them then here's a couple things:

 If your pigs are raised outdoors, then move them to a new clean area.

Make sure they have access to a muddle puddle or the ability to take a dust bath. 

Dust them all with Diatomaceous Earth.  You will need to reapply this every couple of days until better.

Add garlic to their feed to repel insects.

Put Rose Geranium oil (mixed with a carrier oil or water) in a spray bottle and spritz them.  They'll smell lovely!  And it will repel bugs.  

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Theresa Schieffelbein on December 9, 2011 at 1:04pm

Right now is is below the freezing point (about 10 degrees) here so the mud is out, but I wonder if that is why they are showing up now.  There are no patches or scabs from rubbing or bites so I can't believe that it is that bad, however, I would like to get rid of them.  I have cleaned out all of their hutches and dusted everything with DE, as well as them.  Today I will put a big bunch of it in an old wallow of theirs. 

I am interested in this Rose Geranium oil...what concentration do I use?  Where would I get this?  LOVE the idea of rose geranium scented pigs 

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Permalink Reply by Daisy on December 9, 2011 at 5:14pm

We use rose geranium oil on our dogs to keep ticks off.  Just a drop on their neck each day does it.  Helps with fleas too.  You can buy the essential oil online and then dilute it with a carrier oil.  Probably about 25 drops of essential oil mixed with 1/4 cup carrier oil.  If you are going to spritz the pigs, then I think I'd do about 25 drops in 2 cups of water or so.  There's no magic answer.  Crazy though, I would think with it being so cold outside for you then the mites would have died off.  Either way, these things won't hurt whether they have the mites or not.  

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Permalink Reply by Theresa Schieffelbein on December 10, 2011 at 8:27am

Thanks Daisy.  I have already dusted them, their bedding and their wallow with DE and have decided that I will get enough of it the next time I go to the farm store to fill a 55 gal drum so it is on hand.  I have also ordered some rose geranium oil on-line.  Red Wattles are already adorable, now they will be sweetly scented!

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Permalink Reply by MyBackAchers Farm on December 19, 2011 at 3:31pm

If growing mint is a problem...and it can be, then try a spray of peppermint on the animals and their area every few months. Listerine works in a pinch, but some people consider it a chemical. Either way, any mint product chases mites, fleas and other blood suckers away. As little as a a few drops around an animal should do it.

We spray our barn on a regular basis as we had a goat loosing her hair a few years back and just do it for control measures and safety of our furry friends.

I'll look up that rose geranium oil as I would think the barn would smell fantastic!

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Permalink Reply by Cathy R. Payne on December 20, 2011 at 9:18pm

I would think regular dusting of diatomaceous earth and supplementation in their feed would help.

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