Weed and bug killers- safe for chickens

[nparks]

I am looking to see what everyone uses for bugs (mostly mosquitos) and weed killer that is safe for chickens. We free range our chickens so I’m looking for something more natural than the store bought stuff that is “safe for children and pets after it dries”. We live near a wetland so the bugs are horrendous!!

 

[azygous]

Spinosad is an organic biological insect control, non-toxic to chickens and people. It shouldn't be used where bees are working, though. You can buy it under the label Elector PSP and Amazon has it. It will control flies and beetles and ants. It's pricey but highly concentrated. (Just a quarter teaspoon makes a quart of spray.) I use it for lice and mite control on my chickens as well as scaly leg mites.

There may be a spinosad formulated for mosquito larvae. You would need to do a search on that. I use a product called Mosquito Dunks, donut shaped and designed to float on water. Very effective for mosquito control in confined aquatic spaces, and safe for fish and wildlife.

2 -4D is probably the safest weed killer out there. It's what I use in areas where my chickens are ranging. It's a broadleaf weed killer, harmless to grasses.

 

[Folly's place]

The mosquito dunks work fine in standing water and are harmless.
Anything that you spray outside for insects will indiscriminately kill many/ most insects, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficials.
Herbicides are likewise not so good for your birds to eat, and will be in their eggs too.
2,4D is implicated in causing lymphoma in dogs, not a good recommendation, IMO.
There are very good reasons to use such products, but be aware that 'underfoot' may not be best.
Mary

 

[aart]

It shouldn't be used where bees are working, though.

Which is just about everywhere.

so I’m looking for something more natural

Living with the bugs is the most 'natural'.

I wear a netted hat to cover face, head, and neck....
....and/or put repellent on my skin and clothes.

Like with chicken predators, you can't kill them all so you bolster your chickens habitat to keep predators at bay. A fan in the coop can keep bugs from biting chickens on roost at night as they don't like the moving air.