FLORIDA!!!!!ALWAYS SUNNY SIDE UP!!!

[TREX]

Diatomaceous Earth is a substance that kills insects by dehydrating their bodily fluids. This substance is often used by those who want to keep an organic yard and want to avoid harmful chemicals. All natural and non-toxic to humans, it is a solution that will kill surface fire ants and other harmful insects, but it is unlikely to be carried back to the queen.

This is true you probably won't kill the queen. But if you constantly disturb the nest and kill her soldiers she will move. And take what's left of the mound with her. And once she's gone from my yard she's no longer a problem for me.

I go through this every time it rains because my property is the lowest in the neighborhood. They essentially float down here after every real heavy rain using the flowing rain water runoff in the easements on my property and set up shop. They are an invasive species in the south that was brought in from south America and use the temporary flooding and soft dirt after rains to their advantage to spread to new territory. I use DE because I have kids ,dogs, chickens, and a cat and I would hate to see any of them fall victim to poisoning. Not to mention the retention pond out back that numerous wild birds fish and other wildlife call home. Don't want to add chemicals when its not necessary.

 

[cmom]

HI-There is a company out of Ocala, FL called Environmental Specialists - 352-291-2687 or 800-280-2687. I live in Sarasota on 5.5 acres and they came and treated the entire property for $225. Their product is a "birth control" for the queen. So far I have not seen one mound since April. They recommend twice yearly treatments. The restrictions are: no mowing or watering for 24 hours before and 24 hours after. No restrictions for animals, I believe. That's it! I figure with the time and effort and money to do the drive around with the ant poison, it was a bargain! Remember, if you use them, tell them Deb from Sarasota recommended them!

Years ago I used a granular chemical called oftenol. I'm pretty sure it has been taken off the market several years ago but it worked well.

 

[AmericaunaMama]

Anybody have any suggestions about what to do about fire ants. My chicks freerange in the back yard and I found several fire ant mounds. I do not want to put down Amdro or other poisons because the little stinkers have to check out everything I put out. Will they eat the fire ants?

I thought about throwing down a little scratch to see if they get interested in eating ants. Will the ants hurt them?

Instant grits kill ants because they expand in the bugs stomach once they eat it so they essentially explode. If you can keep your chickens cooped for a few days so they don't get ahold of the grits, it's the best option. If they get a few pieces it's no big deal, it's no different than feeding raw grains that expand in water, but you wouldn't want them eating a whole bag.

After you put down the DE keep the grits around the perimeter of your property... it will keep them away! Better than harsh chemicals!

 

[Bangarang64]

great job from you Fire Ants experts! very helpful info!

now i just need a good home remedy to keep the Mosquitos out of my coop!
This doesn't seem to work very well at all.

 

[CyndiChick]

I have a dog that needsa new home sad to see her go, but we don't have the money to put lattice around the underside of our house and she will NOT stay out from under there. She has torn up about $600 worth of ducts and we just can't afford it right now. We have to put her on a lead when she is outside, and that kills the point of having her. She was meant to be a guard dog, but isn't. She is German Shepherd/ Staffordshire bull mix puppy, about six months old. She is trained to some voice and hand commands, but I haven't had the time to work with her that she need (since I have a special needs child, and am in school for paramedic). She is loving and good with my kids. If anyone knows someone that wants a good dog, please let me know! Her name is Lady Isabella, or Bella for short. This is her, taken about a month ago.

 

[floridagirl13]

Hi! Im in SE Lake County! I'm having some technical difficulties adding myself to the roll call, I can only get online from my phone. I would love to find some pullets/hens locally!

 

[TREX]

I have a dog that needsa new home sad to see her go, but we don't have the money to put lattice around the underside of our house and she will NOT stay out from under there. She has torn up about $600 worth of ducts and we just can't afford it right now. We have to put her on a lead when she is outside, and that kills the point of having her. She was meant to be a guard dog, but isn't. She is German Shepherd/ Staffordshire bull mix puppy, about six months old. She is trained to some voice and hand commands, but I haven't had the time to work with her that she need (since I have a special needs child, and am in school for paramedic). She is loving and good with my kids. If anyone knows someone that wants a good dog, please let me know! Her name is Lady Isabella, or Bella for short. This is her, taken about a month ago.

Shes so cute!

Wish I had the room for her but I already have 2 dogs. Shes at a great adoption age right now too... past the little puppy stage and ready for training.What a shame.

 

[TREX]

great job from you Fire Ants experts! very helpful info!

now i just need a good home remedy to keep the Mosquitos out of my coop!
This doesn't seem to work very well at all.

I've tried all kinds of things for mosquitos. They still come around.

 

[CyndiChick]

I know, and she's a sweet energetic dog. I just don't have the time that she deserves to help train and care for her. Most days it i all I can do to get her taken for one walk. We have a big yard, all fenced in, but I can't even just let her run because all she does is run a few minutes and then go under the house. I hope someone can find a place for her.

 

[dezziy]

That was really good.

Thanks hun!! Makes me laugh every time i watch it