Flies and ants!!

[Cohl0406]

We just moved to a new home and the chickens are not allowed in the entire yard as before but we have a very large fenced in section of the yard for them. Anyway, flies are a huge problem. It's dry and I try to keep it clean by picking up the poop. Can I hang one of those stinky fly water bags? Safe for them or at least by the outside of the fence? Also we have these weird ants. They are only weird because they do not bite. I'm not complaining especially when they immediately climb your feet when you walk in there but I worry suddenly they will become typical ants and huge problem for me, the kids and chickens. any idea on what to do for those? Chickens don't seem to want to eat them but they also pay them no mind. They seem to stay around the grapefruit tree in the pen, it's producing fruit so maybe that's what they want?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can use the fly traps but they draw flies to the smell so hang them away from the chicken yard and house.

Another thing that works well is Golden Malrin Fly Bait.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/starbar-golden-malrin-fly-bait-1-lb
Just don't let animals near it or get it on your hands. Read the reviews.

I wouldn't worry about the ants until they become a problem. Since it is hot and dry the ants are probably going after the moisture from the grapefruit.

I use Amdro ant block but there are more listed here
http://www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/antbaitsreviewsummary.htm

 

[Cohl0406]

I don't want to use a bunch of chemicals. Plus I'm pregnant right now so anything more natural the better. We have 3 big dogs that are out and about in the rest of the yard so don't want them getting into anything. One of them already wanted to lick up the ant stuff my dad sprinkled around the yard a day or so ago.