Ant problem

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by Sirius, Sep 12, 2015.

  1. Sirius

    Sirius Total Gardener

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    I seem to have an ant problem in my raised beds

    They are tiny reddish yellow ones.

    I got an ant powder from Homebase. Sprinkle it around where they are and I also dig it into the top inch or so of the soul. They don't like it and seem to go away, only to return after a few days.

    Any advice on how to get rid of them permanently?

    Thanks
     
  2. kazzawazza

    kazzawazza Total Gardener

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    I had ant problems in my greenhouse and tracked the nest down to a pile of bricks. I just poured boiling water over it and it's gone and so has the ants in the greenhouse.
     
  3. Sirius

    Sirius Total Gardener

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    Boiling water not really an option in the garden :scratch:
     
  4. Sian in Belgium

    Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

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    I also seem to have a growing ant problem in my kitchen (wasn't sure whether to comment here, or in the off-topic discussion area).

    At first we had a few ants, which I was trying to deter with peppermint oil. They now just seem to make new paths, but are getting more and more persistent - paths where one or two ants used to be, now have 5-6 ants passing each other.

    I am loathe to use poison, but think it is the only way forward now (haven't tracked down to a nest, but can't really pour boiling water behind the kitchen cupboards!). In the past I have used Nippon Ant-killer gel, that I bought in a small tube. Looking in the shops here in Belgium, and on the Wilkos website, this no longer seems to be available. If I want gel, I have to buy bait-stations? I do not need any plastic, just the gel. Is it possible to buy this now? (I have pets, and the "problem" is running all over my kitchen work surfaces, so do not feel happy using powder).
     
  5. HarryS

    HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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    I get an occasional infestation on the front lawn . AntStop works very well . If the little monkeys are anywhere else , I just leave them . Live an let live . That is unless you are a slug !

    41NJ2+e7Q1L._AC_UL320_SR168,320_.jpg
     
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    • Sian in Belgium

      Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

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      Oh, I agree wholeheartedly. Last year we controlled kitchen ants completely with deterrent peppermint oil.
      But this morning I found marching ants in the "clean" coffee cups, the dish-washer, the cutlery drawer, on the stove top, ....
       
    • HarryS

      HarryS Eternally Optimistic Gardener

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      Looks like you need a good safe ant kill Sian .
       
    • Victoria

      Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

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      We have the problem here annually ... and sometimes it is GIANT ants! :yikes:
      We will not use chemicals because we are cat people. :cat-kittyandsmiley:
      What we use is washing up liquid in water in a spray bottle ... totally safe for use in a kitchen. Kills them on contact then sweep away! Did it last week on kitchen patio.
       
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      • martin-f

        martin-f Plant Hardiness Zone 8b

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        • Informative Informative x 1
        • Sian in Belgium

          Sian in Belgium Total Gardener

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          Now, that is truly bizarre!

          I saw that they were determined to get into one of my food cupboards.... Were they after the golden syrup, black treacle or (edited from "of" - I came over all Dutch there!) dried fruits in there, or going through the back to get into my "baking" shelf in the cupboard below?
          No ... They were munching through a large Ardenne sausage!!
           
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            Last edited: May 1, 2016
          • Palustris

            Palustris Total Gardener

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            You need to find the entry point. They must be getting into your kitchen from somewhere.
             
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