Ants

[jmaneyapanda]

That is incredible that you keep toucans! I don't think I have seen someone keep those before (except for a pet store in florida)

They, not unlike aquariums, just have specific needs, that when met, are no harder than other birds. Theyre messy. I mean REALLY MESSY. Have specific dietary needs, including a lot of fruits, and low iron foods. And need space. The same can be said of the majority of aquariums we see here. Just need specific care to be successful.

 

[Nordy]

All I got to say, your bird is amazing , I appreciate you sharing that Video! I was a Ranger Rick kid growing up, Wild America before bed on tv, and my first Audubon book was N. America birds. I love trying to attract birds. Waxwings are my favorite, we share a common interest in eating berries.

 

[Nordy]

@jmaneyapanda , I share a similar view that if you look at where a species is from and replicate habitat and needs for survival, it can work with your diligence to come through for them. I did a lot of orchid growing way back when, so I looked at the whole picture as well as I could of climate for water and humidity, PAR, Temp, and if not epiphytic, a suitable medium that is characteristic to there natural environment. After seeing your Video, I’ll have a Molluccan on one shoulder, a Toucan on the other. Do you free flight your birds?

 

[jmaneyapanda]

@jmaneyapanda , I share a similar view that if you look at where a species is from and replicate habitat and needs for survival, it can work with your diligence to come through for them. I did a lot of orchid growing way back when, so I looked at the whole picture as well as I could of climate for water and humidity, PAR, Temp, and if not epiphytic, a suitable medium that is characteristic to there natural environment. After seeing your Video, I’ll have a Molluccan on one shoulder, a Toucan on the other. Do you free flight your birds?

I do not. I live in a wooded area and theres way too many hawks and owls and other predators. The toucan and parrots go outside in the summer to big aviaries, so they fly in their and get sunlight, sound and sight enrichment, etc. And suddenly, ANTS!! LOL. In the winter, they come inside, and I'll rotate them in the house and in the bird room. Every other day they get free flight of the hosue in the winter. Unfortunately, I cant let the toucan out with the parrots. Hes a bit of a turd and will try to kill them.

 

[KrisReef]

I hear these are effective natural predators so you can avoid using toxic chemicals

They seem to be out of stock at the moment.

https://undergroundreptiles.com/product/tamandua-anteater/

 

[UncommonSense]

The invasive, tough to deal with ones are the odoriferous ants

These sound like Argentinean ants… if so, it’s scary that they’re already in Washington!

The first documented sighting around the Monterey Bay Area (central California) was 2021, I started dealing with them in 2022…

I’ve had my best results following what trails I can back to the hive and digging it out, or simply caulking seams where they find their way into the home when the hive is unidentifiable!

 

[Nordy]

I hear these are effective natural predators so you can avoid using toxic chemicals

They seem to be out of stock at the moment.

https://undergroundreptiles.com/product/tamandua-anteater/

Put me on the list when they’re back in stock. I’m sure my 8 year old will find one rather cute and cuddly. I should venture out in the hills and find a horned toad.

 

[Nordy]

Alpine WSG is the proper treatment outdoors and/or indoors. The treatment is safe if applied locally as needed and allowed to dry.

If you are concerned about transfer to the ATO from ants crawling in, then I would put a lid on the ATO or surround it with glue strips until the colonies have been eradicated.

I’m gonna do as you recommend, this is war in mi casa!

 

[Nordy]

Vinegar and cayenne may temporarily disrupt ant trails, but they will not eliminate an odoriferous-house-ant colony. Focus on moisture control, sealing entry points, wiping trails with soapy water, and keeping ATO reservoirs tightly covered.extension.
Avoid placing any bait, powder, or liquid near the tank, reservoir, or electrical outlets. If activity continues, use enclosed sweet ant-bait stations only in dry, inaccessible areas away from the aquarium.

Appreciate the sound advice from you guys and also the fun stuff added. I’ll give an update to my effort to take on these little buggers! But the BashSea ATO’s I use will be taped soon, and I’ll go through the thread again using the methods and great tips. Argentinian Ants, geez, can’t they stay in the terroir of Malbec Appalachians?

 

[Aqua Ultraviolet]

Appreciate the sound advice from you guys and also the fun stuff added. I’ll give an update to my effort to take on these little buggers! But the BashSea ATO’s I use will be taped soon, and I’ll go through the thread again using the methods and great tips. Argentinian Ants, geez, can’t they stay in the terroir of Malbec Appalachians?

Good luck with the ant battle! Sealing the ATOs is a smart precaution, especially while you work on eliminating the trails and entry points. Hopefully, with consistent treatment and moisture control, you can get those little invaders under control soon.