Can ants harm my house bunnies?

Question
This might just be me being over protective, but my house has a bit of an ant infestation at the minute and I want to check that they can't bite or harm my house rabbits? I know rabbits are designed to live outside, but I thought I'd better find out...

Thanks,

Katie

Answer
Dear Katie,

Most species of ants are not a danger, but if these are fire ants (Solenopsis spp.), then they can be extremely dangerous not only to your bunny, but to any immobile person or pet in the house.  For fire ants, we use Extinguish growth regulator bait:

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/extinguish-fire-ant-bait-p-268.html

which is not toxic to mammals.

If you're not sure what type of ants you have, or whether they sting or bite (in which case you'll want to keep them away from your bunnies), then a good, competent exterminator can probably tell you.  If they're just little sugar ants, you don't need to worry.

You also can capture a few ants and take them to your local Department of Agriculture for identification, and they can tell you whether the species you have poses a threat to you or your bunnies.

Hope this helps.

Dana