From C.A.R., The Green Tip of the Week

June 21, 2010

It seems that when our summer season brings 90 degree weather , it also brings out those pesky ants. Many of us either have a monthly pest control service or we buy those ant spikes and but them in the ground around our homes. The California Association of Realtors offered some information on natural deterrents that are safe and effective.

One natural deterrent is dry Cream of Wheat which the ants cannot digest and is lethal to them. Another is powdered borax mixed with maple syrup. How ever this mixture may also be dangerous to pets and children and should not be used if you have either children or pets. Stick with the dry Cream of Wheat..

If your aim is to just deter the ants from coming inside, sprinkle substances that ants do not like to cross. Ground black pepper, chalk, cinnamon sprinkled near doors or on the ground where you see trails of ants and they will choose another path.

Myles H Bader has published a book entitled "1001 All-Natural Solutions to Pest Free Property.

This book has ideas for deterring all sorts of pests.