[TrudyM]

I just read that ants don't like coffee grounds. Has anyone tried spreading them around entry points and plants to deter the ants? I would much rather have coffee grounds around my kitchen than insecticide.

Does this work or does anyone have a remedy that does and is non toxic. I know about borax but it is also not good to have around food.

[Uptown Girl]

I have tried it in the past, but found it not very effective.

If you don't want chemicals, then outside, boiling water will work. Disturb the nest opening and then pour it in.
Inside, you could try hitting the ants with vinegar, or rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.

Ant traps (indoors) will work, at least the poison is contained.
Sticky traps will help, and have no poison.

Here we use a service (Massey) and haven't seen one bug of any kind in our home in 3 years. I am reconciled to SOME chemical use. You betcha.

[TrudyM]

Originally Posted by Uptown Girl

I have tried it in the past, but found it not very effective.

If you don't want chemicals, then outside, boiling water will work. Disturb the nest opening and then pour it in.
Inside, you could try hitting the ants with vinegar, or rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.

Ant traps (indoors) will work, at least the poison is contained.
Sticky traps will help, and have no poison.

Here we use a service (Massey) and haven't seen one bug of any kind in our home in 3 years. I am reconciled to SOME chemical use. You betcha.

Thanks for the info. Thought it sounded too easy to work. Borax sprayed with sugar water works but is not good if an animal gets in it and rain will wash away so only inside would work at the moment. I was just curious if it worked for anybody

[TheVillageChicken]

Back home I would take a shovel full from one ant bed and put it on another and on and on. They aren't good neighbors and will fight to the death.

[Uptown Girl]

Originally Posted by TheVillageChicken

Back home I would take a shovel full from one ant bed and put it on another and on and on. They aren't good neighbors and will fight to the death.

That's interesting!!

[redwitch]

Oddly enough, talcum powder kills those little critters. Just put it down around cracks, their trail, etc. Works like a charm. The biggest problem I've ever had was brushing the powder off the bratty black cat that was under the illusion she was supposed to roll in the stuff.

[Uptown Girl]

Originally Posted by redwitch

Oddly enough, talcum powder kills those little critters. Just put it down around cracks, their trail, etc. Works like a charm. The biggest problem I've ever had was brushing the powder off the bratty black cat that was under the illusion she was supposed to roll in the stuff.

Yes! Talc is a pulverized mineral. To ants it may be similar to coming in contact with bits of fiberglass.

Talc is not water soluble, so use carefully if you wear contact lenses, have sinus trouble or breathing issues such as asthma.

Good thing your cat didn't rub it in her eyes!

[TrudyM]

Thanks so much,
I let the guy the owner of the unit sent put the traps under the sink and down the crack behind and under the fridge. He said they are moisture/sugar ants. Much as I hate that stuff around a kitchen I figured it won't get in the food in those spots.
I will use talc if I spot any trails around.