Bugs in the nesting box

[Shellystanley]

What can I do about bugs in the nesting boxes? There are ants in one box then another one has swarms of Mosquitos. I don't want to put poison down because I don't want to hurt the chickens. I don't see any any trails leading up to the box. It will just be a random ant or two. Any ideas on what I can do?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Herbs can be quite helpful when it comes to using safe and natural rodent/insect repellent. Ants and mosquitos are best repelled with mint, marigolds, rosemary, basil, thyme, cinnamon, lavender and lemon balm. Of course, you need to use these herbs frequently and heavily to repel insects. Diatomaceous earth might be worth looking into too. It's good at preventing parasites and some insects.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[Folly's place]

I use permethrin powder under the feed bag liners in the nest boxes. There's no direct contact between the birds or eggs, but the bugs don't do well. Mary

 

[aart]

Aromatics can bother a birds respiratory system if too 'fragrant' .

I use DE under the nest bedding.