Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook

Swine-Lice

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Hog louse (Haematopinus suis)

Management-chemical control

Note: Do not use rotenone on swine because it may cause a serious reaction.

  • ivermectin injection-Apply at 1 ml per 75 lb body weight. Treat sows 14 days before breeding. Do not treat 8 days before slaughter.
  • permethrin 0.25% dust at up to 1 oz dust per animal. Ear treatment is important. Re-treat in 10 days. Repeat as necessary, but not more often than once every 10 days. In severe infestation, both animals and the bedding may be treated. DO NOT ship animals for slaughter within 5 days of treatment.
  • permethrin spray-Usage instructions depend upon concentration. Follow label for dosage and precautions. Spray affected areas or entire body or bedding. Re-treat no more than every 14 days. Remove feed and water. DO NOT spray directly toward animal's face or eyes. DO NOT spray sick animals. DO NOT ship animals for slaughter within 5 days of last application.
  • permethrin spray (Vector-Ban 10%)-Dilute 8 oz in 25 gal water, 1 pint in 50 gal water, or 1 quart in 100 gal water. Spray, dip or sponge to apply 1 pint per pig, especially around ears. Re-treat no more than every 14 days. Remove feed and water. DO NOT spray directly toward animal's face or eyes. DO NOT spray sick animals. DO NOT ship animals for slaughter within 5 days of last application.
  • permethrin + piperonyl butoxide (Vector-Ban Plus)-Usage instructions depends upon concentration. Follow label for dosage and precautions. DO NOT ship animals for slaughter within 5 days of last application.
  • permethrin spray (Martin's 13.3% multi-purpose insecticide)-Spray at 8 oz/33 gal water. Spray, dip or sponge to apply 1 pint per pig, especially around the ears. Spray affected areas or entire body or bedding. Re-treat no more than every 14 days. Remove feed and water. DO NOT spray directly toward animal's face or eyes. DO NOT spray sick animals. DO NOT ship animals for slaughter within 5 days of last application.
  • tetrachlorvinphos (Rabon 50 WP Insecticide)-Apply at 0.5% solution. RABON 50 WP is suitable for use in conventional power or low-pressure knapsack sprayers. Frequent agitation is recommended to prevent undue settling of the suspension. Apply 1 to 2 quarts per head as a coarse spray. Repeat in 2 weeks if necessary. No withholding period.

Kaur, N. (Ed.). 2024 Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook.
© Oregon State University.

Use pesticides safely!

  • Wear protective clothing and safety devices as recommended on the label. Bathe or shower after each use.
  • Read the pesticide label—even if you’ve used the pesticide before. Follow closely the instructions on the label (and any other directions you have).
  • Be cautious when you apply pesticides. Know your legal responsibility as a pesticide applicator. You may be liable for injury or damage resulting from pesticide use.

Trade-name products and services are mentioned as illustrations only. This does not mean that the participating Extension Services endorse these products and services or that they intend to discriminate against products and services not mentioned.