Accccckkk... ant attack !!

[wrench13]

We have a major influx of ants , little black ones, been told they are concrete ants? Any how, we need a bird safe ant killer. They are like every where, we are steaming Saltys cage, but that's a stop gap. HELP folks.

 

[chris-md]

I use Terro liquid ant bait. Admittedly not bird safe but it can really get rid of them in a day or so if you leave the bait alone and not disturb it. Just make sure the bird stays away from it and your fine. Available at your local big box hardware store (lowes/Home Depot)

 

[Flboy]

Take a look here, I use these folks a lot, Florida!
Rule #1 bait! Rule #2, see #1!

concrete ants - Do It Yourself Pest Control

 

[Kiwibird]

Sugar ants are what we used to call them, and they are pretty harmless to birds (though thoroughly annoying!). We use orange guard to zap em with, which is a citrus oil bug spray that is non-toxic to birds (do not spray in on on the cage or anything he typically comes into contact with, but on the off chance he does, it's not deadly like other bug sprays).

 

[DRB]

Concrete ants are not black IIRC, more dark brown or redish brown, and I believe sugar ants are different from concrete ants. Not trying to be an expert, but I believe it could make a difference in getting rid of them.

I've used Ortho home defense on a HUGE carpenter ant nest one day and it worked amazingly well, I used the spray. They seem to wander toward the nearest water source and move quick. Thousands and thousands of them, all dead in less then 10-15 minutes if you do it right.

No advice otherwise, except maybe relocate the bird to a second floor temporarily if possible.

 

[SailBoat]

Deep clean in the house, they are coming in for a reason, clean until you find it and then some more. Also, eliminate food source i.e.... food that sits out, etc.. container, container container.

Outside: Pull any dirt, etc... away from the wood surfaces of the house. Cut back branches, etc... Now use a Heavy Duty Ant Killer fully around your home. Also target the face of any steps into the home (not the step). The goal outside is to kill prior to their coming into your home.

You're not alone, its just a matter of time for everyone.

Yup, Ant traps in the house - as stated above.

 

[plumsmum2005]

I found a darn good vacuum cleaner effective!

Usually if there is a hole they will come.

 

[Aquila]

I second treating outside, stop them before they come in! I've also filled little shallow containers with sugar water and a drop of soap to break the surface tension and that seems to work too.

I'm currently dealing with a horrible pantry moth situation, I can't figure out where they're breeding, I've got the traps all over, all bird food is in air tight containers, I don't have any fruit or anything! I'm wondering if there's something outside coming in, or if it's my downstairs neighbor.

 

[SailBoat]

Container and Freeze all your dry Parrot Foods for a minimum of one month prior to use and leave the unused in the freezer until needed!

 

[BIRDIGIRL]

I do hope you manage to get rid of them...I would sugest taking Salty out of the house for a day out and have Geri sprinkle Cinnamon round the place...the ants hate it and leave almost immediately... the reason I say to remove Salty is that Im not sure what effect an overload of the scent of cinnamon might have on him but its not toxic just maybe too strong for him...you could vacum it up and air the house for a bit before his return
I found this article and that is what Im basing my advice on as I have never encountered ants here in the house...
How to keep ants out of your house naturally : TreeHugger

 

[greytness]

I make up a solution of granulated sugar, water and boric acid. I soak cotton balls and place them where the ants congregate. If they're in the cage, I'll place one of these balls in the tray between the grate and tray so that my birds CAN'T get to them. They feast away, and within 2 days they're gone!
Dogs and cats will eat these cotton balls, so make sure that any of your other animals won't have access to them.