Sounds like the title of a P. G. Wodehouse story, doesn’t it? But it isn’t; it’s a Handy Household Tip. Shut up — YES, from ME.
Anyway, so far, this is working. Talcum powder. Scented talcum powder. Apparently, it messes up the ants’ scent-trail superpower and makes them go, “Ewww! Run away! Run away!”
So, even though talcum powder strewn all over the chimney looks really really stupid, we’re doing it, because it looks a lot better than armies of ants coming out of the cracks between the bricks like the DT scene in The Lost Weekend. If only Leiningen had known about this.
I’m posting today at Fatal Foodies with a product review that is … shall we say, “not positive”?
WRITING PROMPT: A character has a running battle with something in nature.
Jane
February 14, 2012 at 10:46amA product called Terro will really wipe out those bad invaders, too. (That’s the correct spelling.)
Marian Allen
February 14, 2012 at 4:24pmDoes Terro smell like babies and lavender? If not, it goes further down the list. 😉
Xavier
February 14, 2012 at 2:57pmHi, talcum powder is a very useful cosmetic. Which company has manufactured it?
thanks……
Xavier
Marian Allen
February 14, 2012 at 4:27pmXavier, talcum powder is common around here. This particular brand is made for a local store. You may know it as baby powder or Shower-to-Shower.
Nicholle Olores
February 14, 2012 at 7:56pmHi Marian, thanks for introducing that product. Anyway, love you writing prompt now. 🙂
Marian Allen
February 15, 2012 at 8:02amThanks, Nicholle! The talcum powder is working well, so far. We get overrun with ants in the summer, so that will be the true test!
Dean Diaz
February 14, 2012 at 11:41pmI really appreciate your passion in writing as you share great pieces of information to all of your readers. Anyways, back to the topic posted its all about ants invasion and how to get rid of them. The one you’ve suggested is really good not only in the budget but also helps the environment in own little way.
Marian Allen
February 15, 2012 at 8:06amDean, I do really like using a product that isn’t poison, but just encourages the ants to go back outside. 🙂
Sarah Reece
February 16, 2012 at 3:24amI’ve used some ant killer bait powders in the past as I get so frustrated with the sight of ants crawling around my kitchen. The idea of using a talc to shove them away is new to me. Will definitely try this out, at least it saves me from the guilt of having killed those tiny animals.
Marian Allen
February 16, 2012 at 7:08amSarah, I know — They’re just doing what they do, right? And I put fresh or dried mint around where I don’t want mice. That seems to work, too.