General Discussion

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)

13. First, identify their paths and wash them with soapy water to remove pheromone trail

Thu May 5, 2016, 08:31 AM

May 2016

First, identify their paths and wash them with soapy water to remove pheromone trail. Then, spray all baseboards, cracks and counter tops with vinegar three to four times a day. Finally, after a week of this, powder the cracks and baseboard with DE.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is completely natural and organic. It is made from tiny skeletal remains of algae-like plants, but it's lethal for insects. Its microscopic edges will cut through the body of insects, drying them out and killing them. If ingested by carpenter ants, it will shred their insides. There are different types of DE, so keep in mind you must get food grade DE for pest control-- but it's family and kid-safe.

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Does anyone know how to get rid [View all] moonbabygo May 2016 OP

'Tis the season. I've used ant traps with some success, but ... 11 Bravo May 2016 #1

I would worry about my cats moonbabygo May 2016 #6

I've got a dog, so I worried about the pet angle as well. But ... 11 Bravo May 2016 #11

Unless your cats are inclined to mindless chew things (like a dog might), the traps are fine. Buzz Clik May 2016 #28

I've had good luck with safeinOhio May 2016 #2

We use Terro and it takes a bit of time Sherman A1 May 2016 #7

Terro - it uses Borax. n/t trotsky May 2016 #3

I know they reformulated it years ago safeinOhio May 2016 #12

I use Diatomaceous Earth In_The_Wind May 2016 #4

great link thanks! nt moonbabygo May 2016 #8

Use chemicals borax baited sweet traps. gordianot May 2016 #5

I have a recipe for that. Dr Hobbitstein May 2016 #9

We used to do that. AirmensMom May 2016 #16

Yup. I mixed up a mason jar full earlier this year when we had an issue in the kitchen. Dr Hobbitstein May 2016 #17

Do you rinse out the pop cans? -none May 2016 #10

Exactly Jennylynn May 2016 #37

First, identify their paths and wash them with soapy water to remove pheromone trail LanternWaste May 2016 #13

^ best answer from my own experiences JSup May 2016 #20

Chalk or lemon juice frogmarch May 2016 #14

I use Faux pas May 2016 #15

Used to get CedarCide at my local garden shop bigbrother05 May 2016 #18

It is great stuff Faux pas May 2016 #19

True, but luckily didn't have the flea issue bigbrother05 May 2016 #21

No flea issues Faux pas May 2016 #36

Smell like cedar? lonestarnot May 2016 #23

Yep. Faux pas May 2016 #35

I like cedar. lonestarnot May 2016 #40

It depends. Are you on good terms with your little uncles? Orrex May 2016 #22

LOL good one! nt moonbabygo May 2016 #25

Ordinary vinegar is excellent malaise May 2016 #24

dish soap makes a great barrier AgerolanAmerican May 2016 #26

amdro outside terro inside voteearlyvoteoften May 2016 #27

Coffee grounds, yortsed snacilbuper May 2016 #29

Three steps will alleviate your problem. Trust Buster May 2016 #30

Sweep them up and dump them outside Warpy May 2016 #31

Bay leaves. femmocrat May 2016 #32

Mix equal parts baking soda & powdered sugar. Sprinkle along baseboards. Petrushka May 2016 #33

Call the exterminator and let him use the chemicals. stopbush May 2016 #34

Orange oil alfie May 2016 #38

Anteater. EX500rider May 2016 #39

Helmet head. lonestarnot May 2016 #41