With the help of chalk you can cut off the streets of ants. Here you can find out how chalk works and how you can best use the home remedy to combat ants.
Why does chalk help against ants and how do you use it?
Chalk against ants works thanks to its alkaline pH value, which neutralizes formic acid. To keep ants away, apply chalk thickly to ant trails or affected areas. Note that chalk alone is often not a permanent solution and additional home remedies are recommended.
Why don't ants walk on a chalk line?
The dusty consistency andbasic pH value of chalk keeps ants away. The animals generally do not walk on surfaces that have been coated with chalk powder. This is because the alkaline pH neutralizes the animals' formic acid. In order for this effect to occur, there must be no gaps in the chalk line. If the little ants find a gap, they can use it as a new path. However, you can definitely keep ants away with a thick spread of chalk.
How do I use chalk against ants?
If you apply chalkthickly, you can specifically interrupt ant trails. With the chalk you create a boundary that the animals will not cross. You can also limit or even lime certain plants or areas accordingly. The same effect as chalk also occurs when using the following materials:
- Algae limestone
- Garden lime
- Primitive rock flour
Basically, the ant trails that have formed initially continue to exist for a while. This is due to the fact that the ants leave scent trails along their paths for orientation.
How effective is chalk against ants?
Chalk alone worksnot permanent if it is only applied once. On the one hand, the powder evaporates over time or is washed away in the garden when it rains. In addition, the chalk does not act as a deterrent against the ants. If you want to keep the animals away more sustainably, you should use other home remedies to combat ants as an accompanying measure. For example, you can apply the following substances:
- Lemon peel
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Tea tree oil
Is chalk deadly to ants?
Chalk isnot fatal for ants. However, baking soda is deadly to ants. Visually, the baking soda looks similar to chalk. When the animals eat the baking soda, it puffs up inside them. This leads to the animals dying in agony. Before you take such measures against ants, you should keep in mind that ants are definitely useful animals.
Tip
Cinnamon can also keep ants away
Cinnamon can be used against ants in a similar way to chalk powder. This powder also deters ants. If a flower pot is infested with ants, you can also apply the powder in the saucer.