Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone,

Im looking for advice on safe ways to deal with fire ants when you have free-range chickens. My son found a product called "Over n Out" that we think might be okay, but were unsure if its truly safe for the chickens. Our chickens roam freely across the yard, and we want to ensure were using something that wont harm them. Does anyone have experience with safe fire ant treatments that can be used while chickens are free-ranging?

Appreciate any recommendations!

A good alternative is using a mix of orange oil and water. Ants hate the scent, and it wont harm your chickens. You can spray it around the yard, particularly on the ant mounds, and the chickens will avoid it. Its a simple, eco-friendly solution!

Ive had success with using Beneficial Nematodes, which are safe for both chickens and plants. They target fire ants specifically. You just apply them to your yard, and theyll take care of the ants without harming your free-range chickens.

"Over 'n Out" contains insecticides that are toxic to birds, so I would avoid it for your free-range chickens. Instead, Id suggest sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth around the areas where the ants are. Its safe for chickens and effective at controlling pests.

Have you considered using natural fire ant deterrents, such as a mix of boiling water and salt? It's non-toxic to chickens and works pretty well on mounds. You can also try sprinkling some cinnamon or coffee grounds around the fire ant colonies, as they don't like those, and it's chicken-friendly!

I've heard that if you use a natural fire ant killer like diatomaceous earth, it helps control the problem over time. Make sure to apply it in dry weather so the chickens can still roam freely without the dust getting into their feathers or eyes.

You can also use a homemade solution with vinegar and water. Mix a 50/50 ratio and pour it directly on the fire ant mounds. It's an effective method and won't harm your chickens if they happen to peck the ground afterward.

I've used boiling water on fire ant mounds in the past. It's inexpensive, effective, and won't harm your chickens. It's best to apply it carefully around the mound, so your chickens don't end up in the path of the hot water.

You might want to try using natural deterrents like mint or citrus peels. Chickens generally avoid areas where mint is planted, and the scent can drive ants away. You can also try sprinkling some lemon or orange peel around the ant mounds. It's a more natural way of managing the problem.

It's a good idea to avoid any chemical-based solutions around free-range chickens, including “Over ‘n Out.” Chickens peck at everything, so chemicals can easily be ingested. A safer option might be spreading food-grade diatomaceous earth or using natural ant baits.