ants in my feed can

[My1stChickens]

I keep the feed in a metal can and close the lid. Yet ants are cruising around on the rim, and have invaded the chicken feed. I don't see all that well without my readers, so did not notice this until I got BIT by the ants in the feed I had scooped out for the girls. They are IN THE CAN. I've sprayed some peppermint oil on the outside of the can, and around the rim to discourage them. But what do I do about the ants that are already in the can? I realized I could throw the feed away and replace it, but hate to throw away $50-60 worth of feed if there is an alternative.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Seal the bag of feed up in a plastic bag and drop it in your freezer for 48 hours.

 

[My1stChickens]

what a great idea! thank you! (sounds like the voice of experience)

 

[nuthatched]

Get some 100% silicone caulk and coat the inside rim of the lid, try to fill all gaps, let cure
Or, seal the lid with tape every time you're done

 

[Debbie292d]

I'd try get rid of the ants entirely. Do you know specifically what kind? We have a few different types here, and "sugar ants" I think are what those little ones that sneak into the house sometimes. We use diatomaceous earth all around the outside of the house and in the storage shed floor, and in the coop to keep mites and lice away.

We used to use Terro in the house for ants until one of the cats found our bait and was playing with it. Now we put a thin line of diatomaceous earth in front of our cupboards nearest the door that they come in. Between doing the outside and the inside, we keep them down to only having to do this in the house about once a year.

It's already in many feeds, but maybe yours doesn't have it. I like the freezing idea better though, but you could mix a little in and try it.