Farm Animals

Poultry Litter Beetle Management and Welfare

Darkling beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus) in poultry litter are a welfare and biosecurity concern requiring integrated management.

Key Facts

Litter beetles harbour and transmit numerous poultry pathogens
Beetle larvae damage insulation, increasing energy costs and potential skin contact irritation
Chemical control alone is ineffective and creates resistance issues
Integrated management includes litter management, temperature, and biological controls

Welfare Considerations

Heavy beetle infestations contribute to poor litter quality, increased ammonia, and disease transmission. Managing beetle populations is part of broader litter quality management essential for broiler and turkey welfare.

What You Can Do

Support producers using integrated litter management programmes
Advocate for welfare audits that include litter quality assessments
Encourage research into sustainable beetle control without animal welfare compromise