Comments on: Ant and Decking – Ant control ideas anyone?

By: Meryl

Meryl — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:39:18 +0000

Find it interesting that the Helping Animals site says that ants don’t like lemon peel/juice. It is my lemon bush that is suffering the most from ants. Nematodes I think it will have to be.

By: allanshepherd

allanshepherd — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:07:02 +0000

Thanks Kathy. Helping animals looks like a great website. I’ll have a good look through it when I have a spare moment. Best wishes
Allan

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:52:36 +0000

When I googled “humane ant control” I came across you (this blog). I also found helpinganimals.com where they mentioned Orange Guard. It sounds like it could be a good fit for you. Check out http://www.helpinganimals.com/wildlife_livingwithants.asp
Good Luck,
Kathy

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:26:01 +0000

Nematodes:
- Nematodes are living organisms; some beneficial nematodes kill insects.
Consider the life cycle of nematodes. Like fruit, flowers, or even ants; Nematodes have natural cycles of life, and grow best in specific circumstances.

Application:
- Where to apply? Outdoors in wet or damp environments, lawns and gardens
- When to apply? Evening hours, on cool days, nematodes don’t like heat.
- How to apply? Watering can + nematodes + Water, or other low pressure wet applications.

Not all nematodes are created equal.
- Cooler northern climates or hotter southern climates should use different nematodes.
- What do they kill? Some nematodes go after the nest killing eggs, and the queen, other nematodes kill adult worker and warrior ants. Combination of both is said to be more effective.

Nematodes aren’t fool proof, you are dealing with a living organism, take the time to learn about them.

Nematode reference:
http://www.extension.org/pages/Fire_Ant_Treatment:_Natural_and_Biological_Control
http://buzzorganics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=167
http://www.greengardener.co.uk/product.asp?id_pc=12&cat=23&id_product=189
http://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/applying/methods/biocontrol/antnematode.shtml
http://www.dirtworks.net/Fire-Ant-Nematodes.html
http://www.sortoutyourgarden.com/acatalog/Biological_Control.html

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:25:04 +0000

Diatomaceous Earth:
- DE is an organic insect control method.
- DE is fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae.
- Sharp edges of DE lacerate the exoskeleton and then absorb the body fluids of insects.
- Please do not inhale DE, and may cause dry hands.
I strongly suggest Food Grade DE, because it is safe around people and pets.
Food Grade DE can be eaten, and is said to have extra benefits.
DE creates an organic barrier, killing and discouraging other insects from crossing.

Application methods:
Dusting/sprinkling, pour into cup, and sprinkle around area.
Painting, or using spray bottles makes for easily application.
DE Referance websites:
http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html
http://www.ghorganics.com/DiatomaceousEarth.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:24:39 +0000

Ants are living organisms; living organisms have likes and dislikes.
You can, and should use this against them.

You seem to be stuck on nematodes. There are multiple methods to deter/kill ants or other insects. No one method or tool is 100% effective. Sit down, and think exactly what you want to do, how you want to do it, and what results you will be happy with.

Do your own research. Look at the reference sites they have more methods and specific details. Make up your own mind on how you want to deal with them.

By: allanshepherd

allanshepherd — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:03:38 +0000

I didn’t know that. I’ll try it. Thanks.

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:36:24 +0000

I know this is old, but if anyone comes across this, I heard that paprika is the best ant deterent. sprinkle it liberally on a nest when it appears. they should leave.

be careful where you sprinkle it because when it gets wet it will stain. i.e. not on your pavement.

By: allanshepherd

allanshepherd — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:07:20 +0000

Wow, that’s a lot of nests for a small lawn! I thought I had it bad. Thanks for the info. Lets hope they relocate somewhere quickly. Good luck. Allan

By: Sylvie

Sylvie — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:40:57 +0000

I have just used the nematodes on 90+ nests in a small lawn. Having followed the instructions to the letter I am disappointed to find that about 50% of the nests are still active – however, it may be that the process takes time and it may be that the activity is just the ant in a panic because all their eggs are being eaten..
As I understand it, the nematodes eat the eggs, not the ants!