3 ms·
Three other options (admittedly less effective, but the upside is no killing). 1. Give them what they want. I have a bottle of cheap corn syrup I use as a truc
by progman32 3y ago
Three other options (admittedly less effective, but the upside is no killing).
1. Give them what they want. I have a bottle of cheap corn syrup I use as a truce offering. If I start getting scouts or the beginnings of an incursion I just dump a big glob of the syrup right next to their nest outside. Everyone disappears from my house within a half hour. Usually, they forget about the kitchen for a couple weeks. Then I repeat.
2. Peppermint oil. The ants here will avoid it. If I smear it across an active ant line it interrupts it even.
3. Ant moat. Works great for sugar products and pet dishes. I use 4 shot glasses full of soapy water holding up a small kitchen rack. The rack is perched on 4 small submerged pillars I added to the rack's feet.
Edit: of course an invasive species needs to be dealt with in accordance to the threat to the local ecosystem. I'm just providing options for simple nuisance ants.
- Joel_Mckay 3y ago"1. Give them what they want." Not a great idea, as people can skew the ecosystem into causing more harm. More ants can increase Aphid populations that spread viral plant diseases (see Huanglongbing or citrus greening disease). "2. Peppermint oil." Never tried this one, but seems expensive. Also, most mint products are illegal to import in some areas, given it can carry symbiotic fungus spores that may decimate food crops. "3. Ant moat. " Many species have building skills, and some will even build tiny twig/gravel roads/bridges over dangerous/irritating substances. They are fascinating little creatures, and an important part of the ecosystem. =)