Ants play an important role in gardens, helping to pollinate flowers and even controlling some other pests. At times, though, their infestations can reach critical levels and begin to cause problems. When this happens it’s important to find ways to get rid of the nuisance insects.
One of the benefits to treating an ant infestation is that many options exist that don’t involve harsh chemicals or insecticides. Often you can use items commonly found in a home and garden.
1. Boric acid and sugar mixture
One of the most commonly used DIY ant treatments is a mixture of boric acid and sugar. Orkin notes that getting the mixture with the right amount of boric acid is critical; too much and the ants could die before taking it back to the queen, and too little and the mixture could be ineffective.
2. Pipe tobacco tea
Soak pipe tobacco in water overnight, and strain the “tea” that is created, being careful to avoid getting it on your skin. Discard the tobacco leaves and pour the tea on ant hills or along ant trails in place of insecticides.
3. Baby powder
Create a firewall of sorts in the garden by creating a barrier of baby powder around plants. This will help to overpower scent trails, and the ants won’t be able to cross it if it’s high enough.
4. Cornmeal
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