fire ants

[mike1989a]

Anyone know how to keep fire ants out of a coop? There going in and getting pieces of dry chicken food, dont want to use poison in the coop or around the run

 

[sdcharger]

Diatomaceous Earth sprinkled around the ant nesting area. Also won't hurt in the coop itself.

 

[mike1989a]

Is there two different kinds of this? I used to work in the pool industry and we sold it for pool filters

 

[Carolyn]

Yes, you need to use food grade around your chickens and also for your garden.

 

[sdcharger]

Also if it rains u need to reapply. I wait for dry forcast beforehand.

 

[NEChickenNoob]

I lived in Central FL for 5 yrs. Try instant grits. They take it to the nest where they all eat it. It expands in their stomach and kills them. I just would may sure you do it where the chickens can't get em.

 

[pfields]

Diatomaceous Earth sprinkled around the ant nesting area. Also won't hurt in the coop itself.

I've tried DE and they just walk all over it. The fire ants have taken over under the feeder and I don't know what to do.

 

[NEChickenNoob]

Have you tried instant grits? I have had partial success with instant grits. It's the swelling that occurs in their stomach that ends up taking them out. Other than that, I had em BAD when I lived in FL. I had to result to Bifenthrin based chemical to eradicate them. I would suppose you could coop up your chicks, spray very liberally and put pavers over where you sprayed to keep the chickens out of the soil. It has a stay time of roughly 3 to 4 months. It is a neurotoxin to insects and most effective on ants, cockroaches and related bugs. It is supposed to be harmless to all vertebrates and I have seen no ill effect in its use. I continue to use it to treat as a trenching barrier for the home. You can try organic, but fire ants have been the most persistent of pests I have ever experienced.

 

[pfields]

No, I haven't tried the grits and I just bought some last week. I'll give that a try and maybe the hot water, too. Thanks!

 

[welasharon]

I put some seven dust on some and it seemed to kill them. Yes in Florida they are so bad. They get in the grains constantly.