Posted by shar on July 17, 2002, at 13:45:34
In reply to Re: Ants--low pollution solution for the squeamish » ctrlaltndel, posted by medlib on July 17, 2002, at 5:34:29
I watched a whole show devoted to what to do about ants. This guy was totally against killing them, and almost half the show was devoted to making the outside of your house more appealing than the inside, so they prefer the outside. Even how to build an 'ant house' (like a bird house or something) for them to enjoy outside the house.
Anyway, ants sincerely dislike the smell of peppermint (even tho, yes, they will get on peppermint candy). So, he said you mix up a batch of Dr. Bronner's Peppermint castile soap (it is old as the hills; comes in a plastic squeeze bottle) and water. You want enough soap so the scent is obvious. Then you find out where they are coming in (follow the trail) and start spraying from there.
That stops them from coming in, and then you go to the other end of the trail and spray the whole thing and they want to get out because of the peppermint. I usually end up drowning them, I think, which would not be in keeping with this guy's philosophy.
After they are gone, or before if you want, you 'wash up' the area with the soap. Sort of just like wiping up counter or floor or whatever. It is soap so it does need a rinse if you're a truly neat, tidy person. The scent will stay for a while.
I suggest giving their entry point a spray a couple of times a day just to keep them out.
I get ants thru my kitchen window above the sink at times, and have used this method with good success. I just spray the heck out of the window, the counter, the sink, and whatever else is in the way and let it be.
Shar
poster:shar
thread:26548
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020714/msgs/26602.html