Fire ants in run

[ForFlocksSake]

Our yard has always had tons of fire ants but the new chickens (and chicken feed/treats) have attracted them to our run. We don’t free range so this space is our chickens’ home. It’s so bad that there is a pile of feed crumbles about 4 feet away from the feeder from ants transporting. We keep food off the ground by hanging the feeder in the middle of the run and it’s one of those feeders where they have to stick their heads in so supposedly supposed to be the neatest. The chickens are avoiding spots in the run where the ants congregate because their legs get attacked when they go near. Is there ANYTHING I can do? I obviously can’t use standard ant killer pellets. I’d really like to eliminate or minimize the ants so my ladies have all the space provided to them.

 

[Roosterinthecity]

Advanced Fire Ant Killer

 

[ForFlocksSake]

Advanced Fire Ant Killer

This isn’t dangerous for the chickens?

 

[Lor]

This isn’t dangerous for the chickens?

Might be.
I wonder if diatomaceous earth would work in this situation. The ants don't like it when I sprinkle it on top of my potted plants.

 

[ForFlocksSake]

Might be.
I wonder if diatomaceous earth would work in this situation. The ants don't like it when I sprinkle it on top of my potted plants.

I just saw that while searching around the forum. I have some in our greenhouse. Going to give that a shot.

 

[FunClucks]

Might be.
I wonder if diatomaceous earth would work in this situation. The ants don't like it when I sprinkle it on top of my potted plants.

I would try diatomaceous earth for sure. It will cut through their exoskeleton if they get into it enough.

 

[Lor]

I just saw that while searching around the forum. I have some in our greenhouse. Going to give that a shot.

I hope it works. Hate those little ants.

 

[ForFlocksSake]

I hope it works. Hate those little ants.

Thanks. Just covered the infested area and put some fresh wood chips over it. Not sure if that’s the correct way to use it but it’s super messy and I didn’t want the chickens to get covered in it.

 

[Krugerrand]

Do you have access to molten aluminum?
https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/13/5207824/anthill-art-molten-aluminum

 

[FunClucks]

Do you have access to molten aluminum?
https://www.theverge.com/2013/12/13/5207824/anthill-art-molten-aluminum

View attachment 3582070

Yea, that would take care of it! Just have to make sure it all comes back out of the ground.