red ant problem

[IizChicken]

In my chicken run 1 or 2 red ant nests formed. At first we thought that it could be good for the chickens to eat them. Yet they have totally ignored them and are now avoiding most of the invaded run. The ants have started to get into their food and eat their mealworms that I give them for protein everyday. What are some safe ways to remove them from the run and coop without poisoning the area?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Are they regular red ants or fire ants? Mostly out of curiosity. Can you pour a lot of boiling water on the nests? It needs to be enough to cook the queen.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The best safe, non-poisonous method I know of is predatory nematodes.
https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/pest-solver-guide-ants
https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/beneficial-nematodes
They'll kill all the larvae and eventually the nest will fail.
A bait like Amdro ant block will also work. You can cover the area with boards to prevent the chickens from accessing the bait. The workers will carry it back to feed the queen, killing her.

 

[Cacique500]

Best stuff for fireants is the Amdro fire ant killer you can find at any big box store. I kick the nest to wake them up, then sprinkle the amdro on top...doesn't take much. If it's anywhere the chickens have access to, I'll also cover it with an old collander or bowl. Next day the nest is dead and I take a small scoop and remove the amdro that's left.

 

[llombardo]

I had this issue last night. Put some DE on them and all gone this morning.