Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Keep Your Kitchen Ant Free


Last year it was fruit flies. This year it's ants. They keep getting in and it's bugging me, no pun intended. They're not the tiny ones either, just the regular old black kind. They must really like what they're finding here cuz they're climbing up 3 stories and in near the sliding screen door in search of food (I think). They've finally reached the kitchen and dining room so I doubt they'll starve to death for me. Toddlers aren't known for eating neatly.

When I was growing up we would get ants in the summer. Mum always terro'd 'em to death. Now that I have a toddler and cat I don't really like that option. So, after searching online I came up with this recipe for a homemade ant killer:

1 Part Borax
1 Part Corn Syrup
2 Parts Water

Mix and set out small amounts (about 1 t-1 T) for the ants to eat and carry back to the rest.

Yesterday evening, after setting some bait outside, I looked onto my balcony and saw what must have been a good 20 of 'em- the most I've seen in one spot yet. Normally there are no more than 3. Now they're all gone out there. I can't say they all died but at least they're leaving me alone. Really, that's all I'm asking.


5 comments:

pink and green mama MaryLea said...

They sound like sugar ants, the same ones we've been battling three times a year since we moved into this house. Good luck with your battle, the borax didn't work for these guys, I finally had to break down and hire an exterminator.

Satsuki Rebel said...

I think you might be right. I might have to suck it up and buy the terro.

Tammy said...

Would you mind linking back to Kitchen Tip Tuesdays? Thanks! :)

Tammy

Satsuki Rebel said...

No problem!

Kitchen Stewardship said...

We're battling ants here too - straight vinegar can do some good on them: spray a line where they come in or right on them/where they are congregating. Also can make a line of cinnamon where they're coming in.