Attacked by ants

25 Oct 2009, 20:55

I noticed one of my pair of zebs nest box covered in ants tonight. On closer inspection the nest of 4 chicks had been invaded by them and they had started to eat the chicks (sorry to be so graphic). I couldn't believe it. Yesterday they were fine and now they are all dead and due to an ant invasion. Or could it be that a chick died and then the ants invaded afterwards? Has anyone else ever encountered this situation?

25 Oct 2009, 20:58

ants dont get that opportunity in my aviaries. the walls and plants are sprayed with coopex every couple of weeks, this stops the little buggers living long enough to climb anywhere near a nest.
any ant nest I find on the ground is immediately drenched with coopex

25 Oct 2009, 21:07

Thanks Mick, I'll have to get some of that. Can it be toxic to the birds?

25 Oct 2009, 21:45

it's one of very few things that are not toxic to birds or other animals

26 Oct 2009, 08:29

That's not quite right about not being toxic to other animals If you read the label it tells you that it's toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms and reptiles in addition to its intended targets - insects and spiders. This goes for all pyrethroids (natural or synthetic). If you're in the humid tropics like me Coopex, while residual, only stays effective for 2-3 weeks and then must be re-applied.

26 Oct 2009, 13:45

Damn ants,Sorry to hear you lost.Get stuck into the buggers with coopex,will last up to three months,and works a treat.

26 Oct 2009, 14:39

If the weather isn't getting my birds the ants are. I can't win...

26 Oct 2009, 16:59

Bloody Ants!!! that can be little buggers when it comes to babys in nests!! iv noticed ants around my aviaries these last few weeks, i remember seeing coopex in my local feed shop. if i can remember correctly its not all that expensive???

mix with water and spray???

jarryd

26 Oct 2009, 17:59

Yep Coopex is the go. Frequently available at stock suppiers or bunnings though more economical at the first. Can spray round the outside of the aviarys and up and down the walls.
It knocks off ants, domestic and native cockroches, fleas and spiders so is a great all round pest remover. For protecting aviarys and kennels. Just buy a pack, mix with water as per directings and spray away.
LML

26 Oct 2009, 18:21

yep coopex they way to go i use it at work and it work really well but the spraying comes annoying after about the 10th avairy when theres another 60 or so more to go. just make sure you stir this mix up good as the little clumps of powder can block the spray nosell