Bull Ants and Cockroaches (Central Florida)

[CarlyM]

My lovely golden girls, Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia along with a hen house were a birthday gift from my thoughtful boyfriend. I’ve had my coop in place with the girls since August 27th (1.5 weeks). I cleaned the coop last week without any problems. This week, I found a colony of bull ants in the coop with a cockroach infestation. I live in Central Florida and I know that these pests are just a part of our lives, however, the bull ants bite hard and cockroaches are just nasty! Should I try to rid the coop of these pests or are they going to be tasty treats that my chicks haven’t discovered yet? If I try to get rid of them, what is the best way to do this without harming my girls?

-Carly
Debary, FL

 

[Kevin565]

. Not sure on how to get rid of them but pests can carry diseases and parasites so I defiantly would vote to get rid of them.

 

[weimarmama]

& from Alabama. Glad you joined us. Love the names of your girls

 

[jbirds2012]

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

I hear food grade DE (diatomaceous earth) helps get rid of ants and it's completely safe to use around your chickens.. As for cockroaches... just wait 'till your chickens discover them!

 

[NovaAman]

Orange Guard...

 

[liz9910]

from California! Eww what a combination! I agree with sumi try the diatomaceous earth good luck.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

You may try posting in the Predators and Pests section of the Forum

 

[Red Barn Farms]

x2 what sumi suggested!


Howdy,

 

[aaabirdman]

I agree with Sumi as well, Good Luck!