ANTS!!!

[Brooke Atkinson]

We have hundreds of ant hills in our yard. HUGE, GIANT ant hills! The ants attack whenever we go outside. I had to strip my daughter down today after we came inside. They were all up her pants leg. What can we do to get rid of them that isn't toxic?

[Anna]

How big is the area you need to treat? I have a friend who found a safe alternative for her farm and then there is a local organic farmer who sells a spot treatment. So what type of area are you dealing with?

~Anna

[Brooke Atkinson]

I have areas that are about the size of a basketball or two. I have probably 50 of that size ant hill spread around my yard.

[Anna]

Here is a link to the Organic Fire Ant Control from Windcrest Farm.

http://www.windcrestorganics.com/OrganicFireAntControl.html

It looks like you'd need at least two of the size shown. Your mounds sound BIG!!! If you have a lot of acreage and want something spreadable, I can write to my friend.

~Anna

[Brooke Atkinson]

Thanks!

[Missy]

There is seriously something going on with the ants this year. I think there is a secret colony planning a massive invasion. EVERYWHERE we go there are ant hills galore. We have 3 huge ant hills in our backyard and I have had 2 nasty bites. You would have thought I was injected with helium b/c my hand and foot (2 separate bites) blew up so much. Thanks for this discussion. I'll look into the "treatment" too!

[Pat]

Try homeopathic Apis or Ledum for insect bites and stings. There is an Apis cream also. It is amazing how it takes the itch, burning, and swelling away. Arnica helps also. I usually choose Apis for ant bites or bee stings. Arnica for mosquito bites. Ledum for animal scratches, bites. There is an Arnica cream also. We don't use it on open wounds. It helps with swelling, itching.

Lavender essential oil helps with itching sometimes also.

Pat

[Joette]

I just bought some! Thanks for the info Anna. I also wanted to pass along the brochure that Mary sent from Windcrest Farms (see attached file). She said..."In summary, it is a bacterium embedded in bait that is fed to the queen and eaten by the colony. We have used it successfully at our certified organic farm for over 4 years. We have used it in pastures around livestock and in planting fields."

Joette

[Joette]

Pat,

Where do you get the Apis Cream?

Joette

[Pat]

I think they have it at EarthFare, maybe HE. It was a long time ago. I'd just order it online. It may have been "The Natural Market Place" at the Arboretum, or Talleys (out of business)...not helpful. :-/


Pat

[Francie]

Do you think now is a good time to do this? I mean, are the ants around all year round, or should we just wait till spring? I've just noticed the past few days they aren't out as much.

[Joette]

I am not sure. I did notice them more when it was warmer and when it was raining more. My kids have gotten bit so much this year, I want to be ready if another hill pops up!

[Francie]

I think now is a good time! We were moving some compost piles and saw tons! They are probably like bees - pretty inactive when it's below 52, and then come out in the afternoon! Gotta get me some of that and we will compare notes!