Buff Gardeners

This group is intended for those who enjoy the natural aspect of gardening, and don't feel the need to cover their natural state while tending their plants. This group may be used to exchange ideas, and success stories, and of course...recipes, that have been brought fourth from the earth.

I have 2 raised beds and the ants love them. Anybody know of a food-safe way to eradicate them?
I usually pour a teakettle of boiling water on them, but it isn't long before they are back.

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RE: Ants

Check the hardware stores for some ant killer but read the labels is all I can say...better yet...try hanging them upside down in one of those upside down tomato holders. This way you could limit access to the plants from the ants...worth a try anyways.

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RE: Ants

Try table salt or orange juice ,the ants dont like the citrus taste. It worked when we had them in the house last year. And it's natural.

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RE: Ants

Have been doing a little research for "ant problems in the garden through some of our home garden books. Here is at least a little help, however never tried this.
To get rid of ants in the garden or house, mix 4 teaspoons powdered boric acid, 1 cup sugar and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil" cool and pour some into a small bottle. Puncture holes in the lid. Stick a straw in one hole and put the other end of the straw where you've seen ants. Refill the bottles as needed. Ants will be gone within 2 weeks. Store in a cool place and be sure to label the bottle "ant poison", Keep away from children.
Another suggestion: Place 1 teaspoon of powdered boric acid in a covered jar. Make holes in the top large enough for ants to enter. They take the mixture back to their nest. Soon, you won't have any ant probles. Good luck. I do know from prior gardens the the ants do eat the roots. So I hope this helps. We love our garden too. Doug & Gerry

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RE: Ants

Thanks for the recipe! A friend gave me a small squeeze bottle of ant killer (boric acid based). I always wondered how to make my own.
I put 4-5 drops on top of all our hummingbird feeders. The ants gather at each drop, and are gone the next day.
I like the idea of something buried. Thanks.

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RE: Ants

Great to learn about this ant problem, they had a field day on my plants last year..but i put aluminum pan or you could use something simular to pie pan and sit the pots in them and filled with water..i use small stone or rocks to keep the pot up out of the water.. it kept them out of rest of the plants and i didn't lose any more..

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RE: Ants

I just read an article in the San Francisco Chronicle that Nutrasweet kill ants. Yes, the same artificial sweetner used in some soft drinks and as a coffee and tea sweetner.

For some reason, I'm not really surprised!

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RE: Ants

Although diatomaceous earth is used for pool filters, it is carcenogenic, and you REALLY don't want to breath it, wouldn't say that it is safe to have laying around out in the open.

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