Non-Toxic Treatments for Termites and Ants

First posted on 06-30-2008

For those wanting safer (although some are not entirely non-toxic) alternatives to commercial pesticides for ant control, Bob Schultheis, natural resources engineering specialist, has these recommendations.

SANITATION

“Keep things clean; don’t leave crumbs or garbage lying around,” said Schultheis.

VINEGAR

Wash countertops, cabinets and floor with equal parts vinegar and water to deter ant infestations.

FLOUR AND BORAX

Mix one cup flour and two cups borax in a quart jar. Punch holes in the jar lid. Sprinkle the contents around the house foundation. Keep borax out of the reach of children and pets.

BONEMEAL, CHARCOAL, LEMON

Set up barriers where ants are entering. “They will generally not cross lines of bonemeal or powdered charcoal. If you can find a hole where ants are entering the house, squeeze the juice of a lemon in the hole or crack. Then slice up the lemon and put the peeling around the entrance,” said Schultheis.

PLANTS

Pennyroyal, spearmint, southernwood and tansy can be grown around the border of a home and they will deter ants.

BOILING WATER

Pour two to three gallons of boiling water into the opening of outdoor ant mounds.

FLYING ANTS

Homeowners often confuse termites and flying ants.

“Since flying ants do not attack wooden structures like termites, it is helpful to be able to tell the difference, even though they both swarm and both have wings during part of their lives,” said Schultheis.

Fortunately, there are several differences that can easily distinguish the two. Persons with questions can also contact the nearest MU Extension Center for help.

“Homeowners who find signs of termite activity should contact a reputable pest control firm and get help getting rid of them,” said Schultheis.

TERMITES

For termite control, the nonrepellent termiticides or the bait stations do a better job of control than do the repellent termiticides according to Schultheis.

“Many of the same techniques we employ to control mold in houses work successfully for deterring termites and ants as well,” said Schultheis.

PUBLICATIONS

Additional information on both ants and termites are available on the MU Extension website at extension.missouri.edu. Three publications should be special interest: G7420 “Subterranean Termites,” G7423 “Carpenter Ants” and G7392 “Ants.”

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