Dealing with ants in a child safe way

morg_monster

this is timely advice as we've had black ants appearing in our kitchen this weekend. clearly partly to do with some laziness at leaving dirty plates etc out and not shutting the dishwasher firmly. So have remedied the lack of hygeine, and squished every one we've seen (leaving their corpses strewn across the worktop for a while as a warning to the others...). Think we know where they are entering the house so will perhaps take some action outside on the patio. thanks guys!!

SallyForth_2

balloo wrote: »

Go to a gardening or landscaping center or ebay and buy diatomaceous earth. This is a special earth that, when viewed under a microscope, is seen to have very sharp jagged edges around each particle. If an ant tries to walk through it, their legs will be cut immediately. They hate this earth! Sprinkle a thin line of it around areas where ants are gaining access to your home: underneath window sills, doors, and cabinets. It is a great home remedy to kill ants or at least, keep them out of your home!

Sorry, but I am sure that isn't true, all the info I have founds says diatomaceous earth sucks the moisture out of insects leaving them to dehydrate and die.

It's fine unless you have breathing issues, like asthma for example.

ds1980

tesco value vinegar

Furny

We normally suffer from ants outside at the front door this time of year but for the first year ever which just so happens to coincide with my first year gardening they have found there way on to the living room South facing windowsill. Yes you have guessed it the OH reckons my toms/chillis/peppers who are all happily sat there have attracted them! tut, like it's there faults! (eye roll!)lol! my poor babies!.

earthlysparky

Our cat has taken to eating ants! (Not very helpful to the OP, but I thought I'd share anyway!) She stalks them, pounces and gobbles them up! not sure it is a very efficient way of controlling the little blighters, but it all helps

TheMoneySpider

earthlysparky wrote: »

Our cat has taken to eating ants! (Not very helpful to the OP, but I thought I'd share anyway!) She stalks them, pounces and gobbles them up! not sure it is a very efficient way of controlling the little blighters, but it all helps

You might end up with a really fat kitty if the problem persists though.

I find those black plastic ant traps with the 4 tabs around the sides generally solve the problem.

Kay_Peel

If you know where there exit or entry point is, then dip a few cotton buds in some Olbas Oil and place the buds near that point.

TheMoneySpider

Kay_Peel wrote: »

If you know where there exit or entry point is, then dip a few cotton buds in some Olbas Oil and place the buds near that point.

Ah, I get you....at any one time a colony of ants will, inevitably, have some members suffering from colds & bunged up noses....the olbas oil will cure this and the ants will be so grateful they'll leave your house alone. Superb!