Electrostatic attraction and charge accumulation of poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) under high electric fields

Abstract This study investigated the electrostatic properties and behavior of poultry red mites ( Dermanyssus gallinae ) under high-voltage electric fields. We evaluated mite mortality rates under various electrode gap distances and mite densities, quantified mite attraction to electrodes under different electric field strengths, and measured electrostatic charge accumulation on mites. The results showed that narrower electrode gaps and lower mite densities led to higher mortality rates. Mite attraction to electrodes increased significantly with the electric field strength, with over 85% of mites attaching to electrodes at field strengths ≥10 kV cm −1 . The voltage rise time was found to negatively correlate with the mite attraction efficiency. Charge measurements revealed that mites accumulate electrostatic charge proportional to their number, with engorged mites exhibiting higher charges than their starved counterparts. These findings provide valuable insights into the electrical properties of D. gallinae and their response to electric fields, contributing to our understanding of mite behavior under electrostatic stimuli.