Natural Solutions to Things That Bug You (12 page)

Trail Locations inside Homes

Next to wiring or plumbing that has been cut through studs

    Trails through insulation in wall spaces

Edges of cabinets and close to furniture

Tree branches or bushes that touch the house

Old stump root channels that may go underneath the house

PUT OUT THE STOP SIGNS

Ant activity in the home tends to increase 5-10 minutes before sundown and is at its busiest between 10PM and 2AM; however, some species prefer to be active from 8PM to 4AM in some parts of the country. The temperature and rainfall does not affect the ant’s activity.

FOLLOW THE FAT ANT

If you can get a good look at the ant, check out their abdomen. If the abdomen is distended it means that they have had a great dinner and are heading back to the nest to watch some TV. This is the ant you want to follow, not the skinny one looking for a meal. Most of the full ants will usually be carrying a doggie bag back to their friends.

OUTSIDE KILLER

Pyrethrum is a natural substance that can be purchased in any garden shop. The powder does not blend well with water, but if you add a few drops of liquid soap to 1 cup of water and add 1 tablespoon of pyrethrum it will make a great paste that can be used outside and can be used in a sprayer if strained well.

IT’S TEA TIME FOR ANTS

If you prepare a tea using molasses and Jungle Rain™, which is a natural, organic soap based product it will act as a great ant deterrent when used in a sprayer.

GERMANS PROTECT ANTS

Since ants have a vital role in the health of a forest, the German government protects ants from being eliminated by natural or artificial means. However, since they are not welcome in homes, you will find lavender blossoms near the doors and windows in German households to repel the ants.

SKIP THE EXPENSIVE SPRAYS

Window cleaner will kill all ants, so keep that in mind the next time you are going to purchase the expensive bug spray.

CAUSING STATIC

The essential oil called Tea Tree Oil interferes with the ant’s antennae signals and they are unable to transmit or receive information. This oil is safe to be used inside or outside the home. Ants will never frequent an area where they cannot communicate with the other ants.

CITRUS PEEL WORKS GREAT

Place orange and lemon peels in very hot water and allow it to remain overnight. Strain and pour the liquid around any plants that the ants are bothering.

“T” IS FOR TURMARIC

If you can locate the tunnel entrance to an anthill, just place a small powdering of turmeric powder around the opening. Ants hate the herb turmeric and will never come back to that location.

IT WILL TAKE
SENSE
TO FIND THE
SCENTS

Trail Locations Outside of the House

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Edges of the foundation or sidewalk

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Edge of the driveway

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Fence stringers

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Edge of the lawn or border of flowerbeds

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Separation grooves in the sidewalk

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Next to cement blocks or wood steps

PROTECT YOUR GARBAGE

Planting tansy and peppermint around your garbage can area will eliminate ants and flies from taking up residence there.

SAVE YOUR OLD COFFEE GROUNDS

If you spread coffee grounds around your windows and doors the ants will not come near them. Coffee grounds are a natural ant repellent.

NOT JUST FOR A TOOTHACHE

If you place some oil of clove or camphor on a cloth and wipe down any areas that are a real problem it will stop the ants from using that entrance. Be sure and wipe the door and windowsills.

WHITE-FOOTED ANTS

General Information:

    These are harmless to humans and don’t bite or sting. They seem to love the weather in Florida and are only found in that state at present. The colonies can have over 2 million members and their favorite meal is sweets. They will protect aphids, mealy bugs and scales since they produce honeydew. The workers tend to eliminate pesticides from the food before the queen gets any, which makes it hard to eradicate the ants.

Finding the nest and eliminating it with boiling water is the best method of eradication. Any other ant remedy should work to repel them.

BAIT THEM OR LIVE WITH THEM

The only method found to date that will eliminate the colony is to bait them into a trap. The AntPro™ is one of the only recommended traps; that seems to work.

VITAMIN C BAIT

Mix together 1 part of baking soda with 1 part of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of powdered vitamin C.

Place the mixture into a mixture of ½ teaspoon of DE and honey, mix well and make into small balls. This should eliminate the queen and get rid of the colony.
Keep away from pets and children.

CHAPTER 2