Dermanyssus gallinae (also known as red mite or poultry mite) is an ectoparasite of poultry that feeds on the blood of the animal. It causes itching, general discomfort, stress, anemia, fatigue, feather pecking, cannibalism and sometimes death. In laying hens, it worsens feed conversion, reduces the laying rate and impairs egg quality (eggs show pale yolks and fragile shells; eggs may be covered by mites or blood stains).