Ants ants ants!

[kageotogi]

My apartment has ants.

They surprised kloos411 and myself because we do keep our kitchen clean, and we've never had any problems before, but they showed up earlier in the week and now we're intent to keep them the f*ck out.

This really isn't too big a deal, the way I see it. They don't seem to have really gotten into anything -- they're just a nuisance -- and I think (hope?) I can take care of the problem before it really starts. I'm trying natural, non-lethal remedies first: I wiped down the countertops and such with vinegar, and sprayed the top of the fridge and such with a water/vinegar solution, and I've sprinkled cinnamon around the fruit bowl, which is the only food we actually keep out. If that doesn't work, I'll take advantage of the Cat Being Absent For A Week and spray Windex. Failing that? Boric acid/sugar solution. It'll kill 'em, if they go for it, and while I'd rather not do that... You know, I just really don't want ants in my kitchen. That's all there is to it. They're clean bugs, relatively, but I still don't want them in there.

...after that, I'm at a loss. Does anyone have any suggestions? They're just regular sugar ants, I think. We'll see what works and what doesn't, and figure it out that way.

Anyway, I have things to do. I'll wait until later today to see if the vinegar things worked, and until then I have to do some things out of the house.

whimper! You, me, and Joan. Tomorrow. We'll keep you posted.

Comments

[yellowhorde.livejournal.com]

There are several natural essential oils that would work, though cinnamon is a great one from what I've heard. Sprinkle it everywhere you don't want them to be - ants apparently don't like to cross it.

You could also make sachets, or sprays of infusions of lavender, garlic, geranium, citronella, eucalyptus, clove, camphor, cedarwood, mints, thyme, basil, rosemary, lemon balm or chili peppers. I personally like lemon balm because I like the scent the best, but whatever works for you. *^-^*

Best of luck!

[kageotogi.livejournal.com]

Not a bad idea -- I'll give it a try. Thanks!

[masteroftrouble.livejournal.com]

FEBREEZE!

*cough*

[kageotogi.livejournal.com]

I should really keep that around the house, just for general use. *muse* Maybe I'll pick some up.

Aren't you supposed to be at work?

[masteroftrouble.livejournal.com]

I got off work, silly. Now I'm going to Lakeland x.x

[kageotogi.livejournal.com]

Oooh. Okay.

[lain-chan16.livejournal.com]

Eeeep! You could get little itty bitty ant traps and put them in corners...that's what they do at my work.

[kageotogi.livejournal.com]

I'll keep it in mind. Thanks!

[moonlightwish.livejournal.com]

I went with the ant traps when I had those little brats in my dorm room over a year ago. Nothing else really worked.

[kageotogi.livejournal.com]

My landlord set down Terro Ant Bait, which seems to be working. It's essentially Borax and sugar, but it's supposed to wipe out the entire nest. We'll see how it goes.

My dad recommended I set them on fire.

Hmm.

[hpwitch.livejournal.com]

A small amount of Amor ant poison in an old butter lid usually works pretty well. It can be put out of the way and won't make too much of a mess, as long as you remember where it is. For spot killing, Windex is good to.

There could be a change of weather coming, such as a cold front or lots of rain headed your way that's making them want to come inside.

I hope that helps a little. :) Good luck with the ol' ant problem.

Re: Hmm.

[kageotogi.livejournal.com]

Does it wipe out the entire bunch, or just the ones hanging around and eating the poison? My landlord set out bait which is supposed to take care of things, but I'm having trouble telling if it's working or not. I think I might just be feeding them.

Febreeze is also good for spot-killing, I've discovered. :) Vinegar doesn't work at all.

Re: Hmm.

[hpwitch.livejournal.com]

Lol! The Amor poison works by killing them all. They'll usually take it back to the nest and it will work on the queen. It works the best on red ants, but it should also be good for the other black ones as well.

Yeah, vinegar isn't helpful at all. Lol, been there, and tired that.

Good luck and hope it helps! :)