Ants in the coop!

[hensofburgoyne]

Went out tonite to put my girls to bed and...ANTS. They seemed only out the outside, but I don't want them taking over inside as well. We did just have a massive storm come thru, but I'm concerned.

We've had a huge problem with ants through the property this year, and I really don't want them to get established in the coop.

Any ideas?!

 

[gamebirdsonly]

My chickens would just eat them.

 

[ChickNanny13]

DE (food grade) inside & outside perimeter.

 

[hensofburgoyne]

gamebirdsonly: I'm hoping! I mean, silly as it sounds, my major concern is if the ants pose any risk of harm to the chickens.

ChickNanny13: thanks. Might even use that elsewhere if it works. It's just kinda crazy how bad the ants are this year!!!

 

[ChickNanny13]

I sprinkle it all around the base of my house, Hubby would complain cause it's white & very visible but not anymore. My brother mixed some in a sprayer & sprays it on all his plants, leaves a white film but results are good. It'll wash away with rain/water but I've noticed since I sprinkle the base of our house regularly, it does leave a residue that's a plus. I dust my chickens with it, dust my container that I keep my feed in and if you feed Flock Raiser, it's in the ingredients as a mite prevention.

 

[Sara Ranch]

My chickens eat the ants that venture into the chicken coop. My ducks eat the ants that venture onto the front porch area and on the deck.

I wouldn't worry about it. Cornstarch is another good thing to sprinkle around to get rid of ants. Safe for all animals, I believe, but it does a great job getting rid of ants and other small insects.

 

[mickeymushroom]

food grade DE. Yup don't forget to sprinkle it into the nest boxes and any dust bathing areas... some of these tiny ants bite. I would think they would dine on them though. You can get it at TSC.

 

[jolly wattles]

As a lot of people on here state, I have tried DE and it hasn't worked. And is dangerous if inhaled. I now use permethrin spray on the chickens and and anywhere there's insects. Stuff is great and leaves a residue for 30 days. It's also very cheap. 8 dollars for a small bottle of concentrate. Mix 1 teaspoon for a quart of water. One quart will cover the complete inside of the coop and 10 chickens and still have some left in the quart sprayer.

 

[ChickNanny13]

DE does get dusty & not good to inhale so I use a dust mask & careful when dusting the girls. Also they have an open air enclosure so not worried about ventilation. Will look into the Spray although I really don't like using chemicals unless I must, then again DE could be considered a "chemical"

 

[jolly wattles]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/permethrin-spray.1134783/