Ants In Avairy... Arrrrrr!

[maesie 0]

Does anyone one know how to control ants in an outdoor avairy??? I find my fresh fruit and vegies get covered in an hour and I end up throwing them out (such a waste) The ants also like the water bowls and nest boxes... which are always kept clean. I don't really want to spray anywhere near the avairy, and we often use ant sand/dust but worry about using it near the avairy in case the ants take it inside and the budgies eat it!!! So annoying... Any ideas would be awsome...

 

Thanks, maesie

[Little one 0]

Oh, I totally agree! my avairy is getting ants as well, I have to ruin their 'ant holes' some times. I am trying to find ways of getting rid of them, I'll let you know when I find a solution.

[Bec Sta 0]

Sorry I don't have any good ideas.

 

My only suggestion would be to use one of those 'outdoor' sprays and make a perimeter around the outside aviary about a meter or so away.

But I highly doubt it would be to effective, plus there is always the added risk of the spray effecting the budgies.

 

I have the same problem, but indoors.

Though it doesn't really effect my cockatiel, Bumblebee. He actually eats the ants .

[Sailorwolf 0]

You can use talcum powder on the ground, that stops them and I don't think it would hurt the budgies

[maesie 0]

You can use talcum powder on the ground, that stops them and I don't think it would hurt the budgies

 

Thanks everyone for your replys. I'll try that talcum powder Sailorwolf, never heard of that but it is definately worth a try.

 

Cheers, Maesie

[PiPsQuEaKs!! 0]

Hi,

i have an outside avairy, i just have alot of sand on the ground for the quails that i have, i guess that keeps the ants out, or at least it hides them?!

[Bea 0]

Hi,

i have an outside avairy, i just have alot of sand on the ground for the quails that i have, i guess that keeps the ants out, or at least it hides them?!

Maybe the quails are the ant repellant? I have sand on the floor of my aviary, and have never had ants.

[maesie 0]

I'm slowly winning the ant battle. I use ant spray outside the avairy and have a sticky bate in my storage room, but the little ***** still run around the inside of the avairy and up the walls. I was reading on the net that you can use cornmeal or cinnamon. I know you use cornmeal in birdie bread, but would either of these be okay to spread around INSIDE the avairy? I don't want to worry about them eating it and getting sick and therefor have to be very carefull about what I use inside... Any thoughts?

[Bec Sta 0]

Good to hear you are slowly winning the battle.

Though if you find a solution let us know! (Laughing out loud) I've started to get lots of ants in the aviary, they are going after the veggies.

I have taken to squirting them with the hose, but it isn't a great long-term solution.

[budgie-babe 0]

ive heard that little black ants (if thats what they are) they apsolutley hate lemon juice

[Little one 0]

Oh maesie, I wich I had an answer to this problem . My cgae is full of them too, don't worry, but I will figure something out and let you know :hap:.

[Bec Sta 0]

ive heard that little black ants (if thats what they are) they apsolutley hate lemon juice

 

Will have to give that a go....thanks for the tip :hap: .

[Ikon 0]

Try any of the following for Ant control.

Wash countertops, cabinets, and floor with equal parts vinegar and water to deter ant infestations.

 

Sprinkle powdered cinnamon on ant trails. Several types of ants will not cross a barrier of cinnamon powder, powdered charcoal, bone meal, talcum powder, or chalk.

 

Fire ants--Killing the egg -laying queen is the only way to destroy the colony. Choose a day when the ground is dry. Gently sprinkle a teaspoon of instant grits on each fireant hill. The worker ants carry the grits to the queen who eats them. When she drinks water, the grits expand in her stomach and kill her. The remainder of the hill dies within a day.

 

If all else fails you could make a small mout around your aviary, the ants would not cross the water.

Edited February 5, 2008 by Ikon