11 Nest Box Cleaning Tricks Old Farmers in Appalachia Used Before MITES Spread to Every Hen

Long before feed stores sold chemical mite sprays, my father kept our Appalachian flock healthy using only what the homestead provided. His secret wasn't in a bottle—it was in a handful of quiet, preventative habits and knowing exactly where pests were hiding. When modern chicken keepers finally spot mites in the straw, the infestation has usually already stolen a season of eggs. We are bringing back 11 forgotten nest-box cleaning tricks that stop pests before they start. Discover the old-fashioned power of dusting seams with cold wood ash, applying lime to bare wood, and tucking dried herbs into corners to naturally repel insects. You don't need expensive solutions to maintain a clean coop. Subscribe to Grandpa's Old Ways to preserve this chemical-free, self-sufficient heritage wisdom! #ChickenMites #Appalachian #BackyardChickens g #Homesteading