RESIDENTS are fighting a losing battle against ants for the second year running.
And they now appeal to government to step in.
The frustrated residents from Tloonane Village in Moretele, North West said the brown ants are biting them, killing birds and chickens and they're struggling to get them under control.
"Chemicals to contain them are very expensive. A small container costs more than R300," said resident Mpho Seanego.
"All is not well here in this village. We have been experiencing something strange since last year. Our chickens are under attack from ants. I'm one of many who count loses and up to so far, I've lost 38 chicks," she said.
She said every time her chickens lay eggs, the small insects bite them.
"The newly hatched ones barely survive. The few that remain survived after I decided to lock them in one of the unoccupied houses as shelter for them," she said.
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Mpho said they tried to use insecticides to destroy the ants, but they come back.
"It is worse when it's too hot. At times, they are all over after heavy rains, which makes it difficult for chicks to stay on the ground and search for food. Otherwise, they have to find trees and high walls to stand on without food.
"This year, they started invading our houses, forcing us to wear boots or socks at all times. We now use one special chemical to destroy them, but some can't afford it as it is expensive," said Mpho.
Mpho's chickens are struggling to survive. Not only did she move them into an old house for safety, but they are currently laying their eggs in pots, old cupboards, calabashes and anywhere higher and safer.
Her neighbour, Kabelo Seanego said: "These ants started attacking the chickens last year and so we are now left with just a few. I saw them attack and kill two birds next to our gate. We tried to kill them using insecticide, but they are too many for a weak product."
Another resident, Oupa Bopape said: "We plead with our government to intervene. Most people get R350 grants, and they just can't buy chemicals while they struggle to put food on the table."
The residents have now resorted to putting nests for egg laying chickens in higher places where ants won't reach them.
Another resident said: "On the ground these ants destroy eggs, kill chicks and even bite bigger chickens. It's very bad."
A farmer said: "We were worried about the bird flu outbreak and as we try to recover from it, now it's ants. Chickens used to feed on the ants, but they now fear them as the ants bite them to death and eat them."
Marcho Masilo said: "Most of my chicken livestock died during the first attack last year and as a result I can literally count the few that are left."
However, Moretele municipal spokesman Mothupi Malebye said they were not aware of the ant problem.
"We will liaise with the relevant department to see how best we can help," he said.
