SUGAR ANTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 January 1941, Page 9

SUGAR ANTS

AN ANNOYING PEST.

I Undoubtedly one of the most an--1 noying of the insect pest family is the small sugar ant which appears to { possess an uncommonly well developed ; sense of smell. The proof of this will j be forthcoming if a tost is made with ) a saucer of treacle or jam. Put this lon the draining board of the sink ; overnight and it is almost safe to i guarantee that it will have attracted ; sugar ants in hundreds bv the morn- ' >i!g.

The obvious thing would appear to be to keep all sweet products as well stored as possible. !

Small black ants frequently make ■their nests in walls, and are usually difficult to locate. When located these pests can be easily banished by syringing the nests with strong kerosene, carbolic acid, or bisulphide of carbon (this is the surest remedy but must be handled with extreme care, being highly inflammable;.

If using bisulphide of carbon, make •' hole about a foot deep in the centre of the nest and pour about half a cup of the preparation into the hole. Immediately close the hole over with clay or heavy soil. The fumes from the carbon will kill the ants, and destroy the eggs as well.

Sugar and powdered borax (equal ; quantities) mixed with boiling water, j will often prow sufficient to rid a I cupboard or house of ants. Place the mixture in saucers or lids of tins in I places frequented by the pests When the mixture dries moisten it with more hot water.