Chicken safe fire ant control?

[Matejka]

Fire ants are about to carry us off. I usually use and to (?) But I am hesitant because it's granular and i don't want chickens to eat it. Too dry to find the antbed (no mounds)right now, so I am limited on control other than killing as I see. Any suggestions? Fire ants and scorpions- my 2 most hated pests.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Have the chickens eat them, simple as that. Pesticides and herbicides can be a difficult thing to use around chickens, so most peopel advice against it. How bad are the fire ants? If you smush them as you see them, that should put some dent in their numbers maybe.

 

[Matejka]

Have the chickens eat them, simple as that. Pesticides and herbicides can be a difficult thing to use around chickens, so most peopel advice against it. How bad are the fire ants? If you smush them as you see them, that should put some dent in their numbers maybe.

Hmmmm
Not sure the chickens could control the fire ants. I have seen them trying, usually they end up like me -doing the fire ant dance and trying knock them off. I have actually shed my clothes OUTSIDE- to get rid of the fireants on me. Need suggestions help on control PLEASE

 

[Matejka]

Have the chickens eat them, simple as that. Pesticides and herbicides can be a difficult thing to use around chickens, so most peopel advice against it. How bad are the fire ants? If you smush them as you see them, that should put some dent in their numbers maybe.

You can't smush fireants. While you try to smash 1 10 more run up your arm biting as they go-then it's fire ant dance time again.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

You could use a liquid spray pesticide, but your chickens wouldn’t be able to leave a run for a year or so if you do. If you are okay with the risks of using chemical pesticides, them a liquid one would probably be your best bet. A powdered one with fly away in the wind.

 

[B40chick]

Yes, the smash them solution must be from someone who does not have to deal with them. There are liquid solutions you can put on the mound. My experience is that it just makes them move. Has anyone tired food grade DE on the mound? I think I am going to try it.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Yes, the smash them solution must be from someone who does not have to deal with them. There are liquid solutions you can put on the mound. My experience is that it just makes them move. Has anyone tired food grade DE on the mound? I think I am going to try it.

DE doesn’t work well in humid areas, wet areas, very hot areas, large areas. It doesn’t work well against bugs with an exoskeleton either. Food grade DE would probably work the worst.

 

[B40chick]

I have Orthene. You put powder on nest and then wet it in. I think if I use it, I will create a temporary barrier around the mound to keep chickens away, just to be on the safe side. I have extra chicken wire I can make barriers with

 

[Matejka]

If I could find the mounds-too dry-I would pour boiling water. We have-years ago-poured diesel and set on fire-that works. Considered dynamite, naw,

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

If I could find the mounds-too dry-I would pour boiling water. We have-years ago-poured diesel and set on fire-that works. Considered dynamite, naw,

Fire sounds like a great way to kill them. To fight fire, you use better fire.