Ants!!!!

Gigervamp

The last time I had ants, I followed them back to their nest. I had an almost empty tin of syrup and put that by the entrance. They got what they wanted right by their door and stopped coming all the way to my door!

cheesy*wotsit

Hi,
This is my first thread, so here goes. Yesterday I was invaded by my yearly dose of flying and crawling ants both inside and outside of my house. I need desperately to find a way to get rid of them that is pet friendly as I have a cat. I have tried ant powder, jeyes fluid, coffee grounds, salt and various essential oils in different mixes and strengths and nothing makes the little so and so's go away.

I am considering one of the electronic plug in repellers but that will just make my electricity bill go up, possibly harm my cat in some way (I believe) and I've been told they don't properly take effect for 4-6 weeks. I think I know where the nest is and think that it was agitated when the big bush that was on top of it (and is still there) was heavily trimmed three years ago as we have had invasions since.

Can someone please help as they are driving me potty! :wall:

Zazen999

Pour boiling water over the nest several times until they die. Very MSE.

pmorrisjones

I'm told lavender oil works. If you put a line of it around where they are coming in (eg door) they won't cross it. Not tried it myself. I can't do it - but - my Mum always swore by boiling water into nest. There again is it worse than ant powder? Hope something works.

Gigervamp

I don't like killing things unless absolutely necessary, so the last time I was invaded, I followed the line of ants back to their nest, then put some syrup down nearby. Stopped them coming into the house because they had what they wanted on their doorstep!

pol

Borax mixed with a little icing sugar will kill them, but you could just give them the icing sugar if you want to do as Gigervamp does as an alternative.

pol

horsechestnut

I agree with the boiling water in the nest. You may have to do it a couple of times, but this always works for me.

pollypenny

DS is an environmental health officer - the boiling water every time!

Pink.

Hi cheesy*wotsit,

There's an earlier thread with lots of suggestions that may help so I've added your thread to it to keep the ideas together.

Pink

cheesy*wotsit

Yess!!!! I have found something that is reasonably cheap, friendly to pets (once dry), and will work both inside and out to get rid of the little blighters. Its called 'Dethlac' and once you have sprayed it about and let it dry they like the smell (they can smell it, we cant), walk about in it and then trog it back to their nest and then kaput! no more ants. :j
For further info try dethlac.com on their FAQ page. Also Wilkinsons sell it for £2.99 for a 250ml can (dont know if I was allowed to put that bit - sorry). :j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j