Ant problem

[JayWhit]

What can you do about having an ant problem? We've had an extremely dry summer here. As the chickens peck and scratch at their food, what they leave has gotten attention of all the ants. They've gotten bad in the area the chickens are in. Is there something that I can do to kill them without hurting the chickens? Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ChicKat]

Diatomaceous Earth or DE is a white powder that will be harmless to chickens, but cut microscopic holes in the exoskeletons of the ants. It must remain dry to be effective, and it is a proven organic way to get rid of insect pests. There needs to be enough of it---but it will work.

You can google it - and find sources. Food grade is sold at farm and ranch supply stores and garden centers and that is the product that you want. It also is good for dusting the cracks of the coop and for adding to the chickens dust bath. :O)

 

[ChickPrincess]

Definitely diatomaceous earth. I purchased mine at diatomaceousearth.net. It was around $60, including shipping, for 50#s.
You can not use too much and it's perfectly safe. It has gotten rid of (98%) our centipede problem in our garage that NOTHING else (even chlorine) worked on. Ants hate it, though it may take several "doses" because they keep moving their home.
I use a kitchen sifter to sprinkle it evenly. Also, make sure you purchase FOOD GRADE and not pool grade.

 

[Greyfox Farm]

orthoboric acid (also known simply as "boric acid") works on ants as well. It has zero toxcicity to mammals or birds but is deadly to things with exoskeletons, eg. ants.

 

[JayWhit]

Thanks. I bought the DE and tried it already. Seems like it has cut down on the amount of ant so far. Also sprinkled some on my chickens and dog.