How To Stop And Protect Your Poultry Birds from Soldier Ants and Other Deadly Insects

Starting a poultry business is a rewarding journey, but it also comes with serious challenges. For many small-scale farmers in Nigeria and across Africa, one hidden but deadly enemy is soldier ants (known as Erun in Yoruba). These aggressive insects can wipe out your entire flock in a matter of hours.

This article is based on a real-life experience shared by a poultry farmer who lost several birds to soldier ants. He started his poultry business during Christmas and had only begun to see profit when tragedy struck—first due to heat, and later from an ant attack. As he plans to expand from a small backyard setup to a large-scale farm (1,000 to 10,000 birds), he is now searching for lasting solutions to prevent another loss.

If you're facing the same situation or planning to start poultry farming, read this complete sure solution and practical advice, solutions, and recommendations to protect your birds from soldier ants and other insects.

Why Soldier Ants Are a Big Problem in Poultry Farming?

Soldier ants are dangerous because they move in large groups and can invade poultry cages overnight, especially during or after rainfall. Once inside, they can attack and kill chicks or even adult birds.

Common causes of soldier ant invasion include:

• Dirty surroundings

• Bushy environments

• Presence of leftover food or fruit waste

• Damp or moist ground near the poultry house

How to Prevent Soldier Ants from Attacking Your Poultry Birds?

A. Keep Your Poultry Environment Clean

• Sweep the area around your poultry regularly.

• Avoid dumping waste, leftover fruits, or food near the poultry.

• Remove stagnant water and wet areas after rainfall.

B. Clear Bushes Around Your Farm

Bushes attract ants and snakes. Before starting a large-scale poultry farm:

• Clear the bush at least 20–30 feet around your poultry pen.

• Burn or remove any visible ant hills nearby.

Protective Measures to Keep Soldier Ants Away From Your Poultry Farm 

1. Use Engine Oil Barrier

This is one of the cheapest and most effective traditional methods.

How to use

• Place the poultry cage legs inside small plastic containers.

• Fill the containers with condemned engine oil or black oil.

• Ants cannot cross through the oil, so it serves as a protective barrier.

2. Apply Insecticides

Use an insecticide like Rambo Powder or any product that contains Lambda-cyhalothrin.

Application

• Sprinkle the powder or spray the liquid around the poultry house every 3 days.

• Do not apply directly on birds. Ensure proper ventilation.

3. Fumigate Regularly

Regular fumigation can kill hidden ants, termites, and other insects in the area.

• Use safe poultry-approved fumigants.

• Perform fumigation once every month.

Have You Tried Home Remedy? Aspirin and Biscuit Trap Solution 

One creative method shared by farmers involves using aspirin and biscuits to kill the ant queen.

Steps

1. Dissolve 10 tablets of aspirin in 1 liter of water.
2. Soak a carton of sweet-smelling biscuits in the mixture.
3. Let it dry under the sun.
4. Place the dried carton at strategic locations near the poultry.
5. Ants will carry the food back to their queen. Once the queen eats it, the colony will eventually die.

Other Methods: Trace and Destroy Ant Hills

If you keep having ant problems, it means there's a colony nearby.

What to do

• Trace their movement back to their hill, usually in the bush.

• Dig into the hill and burn it with fire (with caution).

• Pour petrol, kerosene, or insecticide into the ground and cover it.

Warning: Be careful when going into the bush. Wear protective clothing, and do not go alone.

Why Poultry Birds Don't Fight Back Against Ants

Some people wonder: "Why don't birds eat the ants?"

The truth is:

• Most broilers are too slow and lazy to pick ants.

• Chicks are too weak to fight soldier ants.

• Once attacked, they can go into shock and die.

This is why prevention is better than cure.

Recommendations Before Scaling Up to 10,000 Birds

As you plan to expand from 1,000 to 10,000 birds, follow these extra tips:

• Build raised cages or pens with protective oil barriers.

• Use cement flooring instead of bare ground.

• Fence the farm to reduce outside invasion.

• Hire regular cleaners or workers to maintain hygiene.

• Invest in professional fumigation services monthly.

• Keep feed in sealed containers to avoid attracting pests.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Ants Kill Your Profit

Soldier ants may seem small, but they are a serious threat to poultry farming, especially for beginners. With a clean environment, proper setup, regular insecticide use, and traditional methods like engine oil or biscuit traps, you can keep your birds safe and grow your poultry business without fear.

Remember: Prevention is always cheaper than recovery.

If you’ve experienced ant attacks before, or if you're just starting your poultry journey, use these solutions to protect your investment and your birds.

---

Have questions or want more farming tips? Leave a comment or share this article with fellow farmers. Together, we grow better!