Friday, May 30, 2008
WD40 vs Ants
The last two weeks were especially bad. Unlike the previous jury term when it was clear that the duty was done after the first few days, the threat stayed present for all two weeks. And unlike last year's ant swarm, the ants kept going after I thought the swarm was exhausted. Finally I pinned down the location of the nest, and desperately trying something I'd read online, sprayed WD40 all around it.
Miracle! Like turning off a faucet. The visible ants died instantly, the swarm stopped short, and to all appearances the nest is fully dead. No signs of popping through other exits; just zero zip nada ants for a full week!
Keeping a fresh can of good old WD40 cocked and locked in case of further attacks.
= = = = =
Correction, much later: These were swarming termites, not ants. The WD40 did kill the visible insects, but didn't really kill the nest. A swarming action typically lasts for a few days. I mistakenly believed the WD40 had stopped the swarm, but the swarm had simply ended in its usual pattern. In August 2008 the swarm kept going beyond a few days, which finally caused me to call the Orkin man and get properly exterminated! ¶ 9:41 PM
Miracle! Like turning off a faucet. The visible ants died instantly, the swarm stopped short, and to all appearances the nest is fully dead. No signs of popping through other exits; just zero zip nada ants for a full week!
Keeping a fresh can of good old WD40 cocked and locked in case of further attacks.
= = = = =
Correction, much later: These were swarming termites, not ants. The WD40 did kill the visible insects, but didn't really kill the nest. A swarming action typically lasts for a few days. I mistakenly believed the WD40 had stopped the swarm, but the swarm had simply ended in its usual pattern. In August 2008 the swarm kept going beyond a few days, which finally caused me to call the Orkin man and get properly exterminated! ¶ 9:41 PM
