(6) _Prevention._ Normally, only pigeons carry pigeon lice. For this reason, the spread of lice to or from other kinds of birds is of no concern. However, common pigeons and stragglers are prolific sources of spread. Contact in crates is also a common source of infestation. Lice are often brushed from infested birds onto the hands and clothing of pigeoneers who later carry them to clean birds handled later. _b._ RED MITES. Red mites are a common parasite of the pigeon. (1) _Habits_ (fig. 42). It is important to note the difference between the habits of lice and mites. (_a_) Mites live in, on, and under the nest bowls, nest boxes, and any available crack or crevice. (_b_) Mites go onto the birds only long enough to feed—usually about 1/2 hour. (_c_) Red mites suck blood from the pigeons. It is the engorged blood that makes the mite red. (_d_) Mite eggs are deposited in the cracks and crevices or debris around the nest box where they live. (_e_) Eggs hatch in 2 or more days, according to weather conditions. (_f_) Newly-hatched mites mature in about 5 days. (2) _Diagnosis._ Pigeon’s loss of condition is the most evident indication of mite infestation. Actual loss of blood is probably less harmful to the bird than annoyance caused by crawling and biting of mites. (3) _Treatment._ Most good disinfectants supplied to lofts will kill mites satisfactorily if worked well into all cracks and crevices. Oily disinfectants are inexpensive and very effective, but leave the loft rather unsightly. Whitewash kills only by covering up and is ineffective if any areas are missed. For this reason, some of the more refined cresols are used. Four percent saponified cresol in warm water is quite effective. (4) _Repeat._ Since the cresol does not kill the eggs, it is necessary to repeat treatment in 5 to 7 days. (5) _Prevention._ Mites that attack pigeons are apparently the same as found on other birds, including domestic poultry. Therefore, wild birds, straggling pigeons, and neighborhood poultry are possible sources of infection. Light, dry, airy lofts do not favor breeding of mites. _c._ Pigeon flies which are particularly troublesome in warm climates are true flies with short, flat, wide bodies and long wings. (1) _Life cycle_ (fig. 46). (_a_) Pigeon flies live among body feathers. (_b_) They leave the birds only to deposit larvae, or when disturbed. (_c_) Adult flies suck blood from the birds. (_d_) Female flies deposit living larvae in or around the nest bowl, nest box, or around the loft. (_e_) Newly deposited larvae are white and about the size of a small buck shot. Within a few hours, a hard shell forms around them and they turn from white to brown and then to jet black. (_f_) Young flies emerge from these shells in about 30 days and are ready for their first meal of blood. [Illustration: _Figure 43. Life cycle of pigeon fly._ TL70212]