Fire ants in the chicken pen

[CJones06]

I have ants forming a mound right along the edge of one of my coops. What do you guys recommend for fire ants where the chickens can get to them? This pen is silkies so they are low to the ground and get into everything! Thanks a bunch

 

[Knittycat]

Chickens think fire ants are yummy.

 

[sachsr]

That's good to know, I usually have a fire ant mound near where I placed my coop. I can't wait to watch the ants suffer My kids are tired of the bites.

 

[dawg53]

Sevin dust will take care of fire ants.

 

[Knittycat]

One day, shortly after I started letting my chickens free range I noticed one of my girls in the corner of my yard flailing on the ground. I remembered that there was an ant mound there, and I went running out to rescue my chook. Only to find that she was dust bathing in the mound and eating up the ants that came running out to see what was going on. It wasn't long before the others caught on. I almost never have fire ant issues anymore.

 

[dawg53]

One day, shortly after I started letting my chickens free range I noticed one of my girls in the corner of my yard flailing on the ground. I remembered that there was an ant mound there, and I went running out to rescue my chook. Only to find that she was dust bathing in the mound and eating up the ants that came running out to see what was going on. It wasn't long before the others caught on. I almost never have fire ant issues anymore.

My chickens avoid them and the mounds. They instinctively know fire ants are dangerous. Too many stings with formic acid can kill chickens as well as other animals. You can bring your chickens here, I've got a few mounds they can take of.

 

[dustyroad]

A couple gallons of boiling water onto the mound is suppose to do the trick. My fire ants haven't been enough of a problem to waste the water or fuel to boil it, so I don't speak from experience. I've had good luck with pyrethrin based killers on small mounds. Just exclude the animals until it dries.

*warning: use caution when handling boiling water.*

 

[CJones06]

My chickens seem to be ignoring the mound so ill try some seven dust. I've never had much luck with water, it just seems to make the what's left of the mound relocate. Thanks guys!

 

[xanxer82]

Seems like fire ants are a big problem in the south. Haven't had to experience them here in MD yet.

 

[FarmGirl01]

I always use Amdro. Works for us. I carry a jug with me when I mow. Just stop and sprinkle. If its around the chickens I cover the treated mound for a few hours until they carry the bait inside the mound. This drought really helped to knock down the numbers.