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Ants are a nuisance indoors, especiallyin kitchens.
Outdoors, they contribute to plant damage by enabling destructiveinsects like aphidsand whiteflies.
While toxic insecticides are effective, consider using diatomaceous earth as an organic, non-toxic alternative forkilling ants.
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Diatomaceous earth kills ants by drying out and abrading their bodies.
It is non-toxic, so it is safe to use in homes, though some precautions should be taken.
Find out everything you gotta know below.
Meet the Expert
What Is Diatomaceous Earth (DE)?
Diatomaceous earth is used toget rid of antsboth indoors and outdoors.
Since it’s non-toxic, it’s ideal for indoor use, especially where pets and kids are concerned.
Types of Diatomaceous Earth
Pest Control Tip
Use insect-control diatomaceous earth to kill ants.
Food-grade DE is not recommended for killing ants, and filter-grade DE should be avoided altogether.
Pheromones encourage more ants to return, so removing the unseen trails stops future infestations.
Large-scale infestations, the need for quick extermination, and moisture are a few reasons to use different methods.
“The material takes time to work and is most effective when used sparingly.”
Diatomaceous earth works best in dry conditions, Price says.
Do not apply in damp humid areas in the home, outside when rain is pending in the forecast.
For an outside tool, it is best to wait 24 hours after rain to let areas dry out.
It takes about 48 to 72 hours to kill ants with diatomaceous earth.
Borax is not the same as diatomaceous earth (DE).
Borax is a mineral, while diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized diatoms.
However, both borax and diatomaceous earth will kill ants.
Diatomaceous earth affects the outside of the ant, drying it out and abrading it to death.
Borax is ingested by the ant and kills it from the inside out.
The Health Benefits of Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth.
How to Manage Pests / Pests of Homes, Structures, People, and Pets: Ants.
University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
