Being a ferret owner have you asked- do ferrets eat ants?
The answer is yes, ferrets eat ants. But, not all ants and not all the time.
In this article, you will learn the benefits and risks of ferret-eating ants, how to keep ants away from ferret food, the types of ants that bite ferrets, and more.
So, make sure you read till the end.
Content List
Do ferrets eat ants?
Yes. ferret does eat ants. But, there are some precautions before your pet eats ants.
There is no issue with ferret-eating ants, as long as ants are not contaminated by any kind of poison or toxic materials.
I know ants entering your place and then into ferret cages are quite frustrating. Stopping them from entering is even more challenging due to their small sizes.
So, by taking ferret care of ants’ health you will ensure your pet is safe and ferret can eat ants.
Potential benefits of feeding ants to ferrets
Ferret is a hardcore carnivore animal so they majorly depend on prey for the food. Ants are prey to ferrets so they enjoy eating several ants.
Also, ants are a good source of protein which is a core requirement for ferrets’ bodies. Hunting and eating ants gives mental stimulation to ferrets.
So, ferrets enjoy the process of catching and killing the ants. However, it’s important to note that don’t consider feeding ants to ferrets a regular diet.
This can only be taken as once in a while. Feeding them regularly can cause some potential risks which are mentioned below.
Potential risks of feeding ants to ferrets
It’s right that ferrets can eat ants but they also carry potential risks as well. So, being a ferret owner you must be aware of these risks for the health and safety of your furry friend.
There are chances that ants can carry parasites and viruses with them. They can also be carrying some toxic or poisonous material within them which is quite harmful for your ferret.
It can cause gastrointestinal problems and digestion problems in your ferret. So, always be sure to take care of these things.
Also, ants are small in size so if they enter alive within the ferret then it can cause choking to your pet.
How do I keep ants out of my ferret food?
Are you struggling with ants getting into your ferret food? Then you don’t need to worry anymore I have solutions for you.
Being a ferret owner, I have faced ants disturbing my pets whether it’s their food or bedding. This makes me an expert in dealing with ants around my ferret.
I know ants are so frustrating, they are small in size and mostly high in number which makes it hard to control them.
Following are some of the most effective ways to control ants out of your ferret space and food:
1. Use cinnamon, cayenne pepper, citrus peels, or peppermint oil
These are the easy-to-go solutions for getting rid of ants. The smell and taste of these oils and powders are hated by ants.
So, when you notice the origin of ants coming from, then keep or spread it near the entrance of your place, so they will not cross it.
I have used peppermint oil and citrus peels and it has worked every time. Start using it today and I hope the ants go away forever.
2. Clean the area with vinegar
Vinegar is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get rid of ants from your ferret food. Clean areas where ants are coming with 50% vinegar and 50% water.
Ants hate vinegar because it disturbs their chemical trail. So, they will run away whether it’s ferret treat, cage, or bedding. Try now to get the results.
For cleaning use cotton clothes because they will absorb vinegar and water comfortably which makes cleaning effective and easy.
3. Mint tea bags
Mint tea bags are another great way to kick out ants from your ferret food & place. I know what it feels like if ants keep coming to ferret bedding and even in ferret food.
To use this hack, start spreading mint tea bags where ants are most active. Try to focus on the entry of them near the cage.
These mint bags are highly hated by ants and they will change their way.
4. Dryer sheets
It may sound weird or crazy to you but yeah dry sheet is also one of the best ways to kick out and save food of your ferret.
I’m talking about sheets which you use in your clothes to get cling in the dryer. If you are highly fed up with ants getting near your pet cage then start doing it today.
To apply this, keep the ferret cage away from the wall and fully wrap the base and wheel of the ferret cage with the help of a dryer sheet. This will keep away ants from the ferret cage and the food too.
5. Ant traps
Yes, you read it right I am talking about ant traps. It is the same as rat traps with size according to ants.
This isn’t much popular among ferret owners but it’s very effective. Even I had experience of using it last year. It did quite well for me.
Use a few ant traps at their entry in the home and a few near the ferret cage, by doing this you will maximize ant catching.
Soon, you will get over ants hitting your pet’s food and place.
Just make sure your ferret isn’t outside of the cage when you are keeping these ants traps. The curious nature of the ferret might make them hit, throw, or start playing with it.
Will ferrets eat bugs?
Yes, ferrets do eat bugs. Ferrets are highly curious carnivore animals so they can easily chase, catch, and eat bugs.
Bugs and insects both contain protein which is a major part of the ferret diet. So, there is no need to worry about it.
However, you must make sure that the bugs aren’t wild. Because sometimes bugs are sprayed with pesticides or some other poison.
Also, ferret-eating bugs can be occasional so don’t consider it any kind of regular diet or food.
Types of ants that bite ferret
Ferrets can indeed eat ants but, it’s also true that there are ants that can bite ferrets. As a ferret owner, you must be aware of these ants.
On that note following is the list of ants that can bite your ferret:
- Fire ants
- Carpenter ants
- Acrobat Ants
- Formica
- Harvester ants
- Bulldog ants
- Argentine ants
- Army ants
- Pharaoh ants
- Banded sugar ants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can ants kill ferrets?
It depends on the type of ants. Fire ants might hurt ferrets.
Do ants like eating potatoes?
Yes, they like a lot eating potatoes.
Are ferrets able to consume ferrets?
Yes, they can easily eat ferrets.
Conclusion
So, your question- do ferrets eat ants? has been answered.
Ferrets can eat ants and it contain protein which is beneficial for ferrets. But, ferret eating ants is an occasional thing so don’t consider it as ferret’s regular diet.
Ants eaten by ferrets can also be dangerous sometimes when they are infected with any disease or sprayed with pesticides.
Still, if you have any doubts or questions then feel free to comment.