Best thing to keeps bugs out of nesting boxes

[SweetTea&Chicks]

I was cleaning out the coops today and there were bugs in the nesting boxes. There were rollie pollies which was probably a sign I need to clean out more but what is the best thing to keep mites and lice out? Thanks!

 

[Sara Ranch]

I use sand in my nesting boxes and clean (almost) daily. I haven't noticed any bugs in my nests or in the coop floor that can't fly.

Spiders avoid the sand. Ants struggle to navigate it. I don't know if there are mites or lice in there but I don't think so. The birds don't show signs of having it.

The sand is several inches deep and I make sure it stays loose down to the floor. The chickens dust bath in there, "helping" me keep it loose.

Occasionally, I will add wood ash to the sand and mix it in.