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I have recently discovered a LOT of ants in my garden. Does DE work as a good ant killer? If so do I just dust the area? Or is there a better way to get at those ants and keep the integrity of an organic garden?

Thanks in advance for your help.

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I have the same problem...I don't know a sure method, but I've read that cayenne and pepper deter ants as well as vinegar. I'm going to try the pepper and see what happens....

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Thanks for responding. I'm willing to try anything. I tried looking up some ideas on the internet and read about putting instant grits in their nest. It said that it doesn't kill on contact but within 24-48 hours they are gone. I haven't tried it yet but will get some grits today and put it out. Good luck with your garden as well.

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I have read somewhere that putting powdered grits in hole will do it as they eat up the grits expand and voila! I tried with the large red ants in NM but had to leave before I could find out if it worked.

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Cream of Wheat works the same way as the grits. Also if you know where their hole is put 5 lemon peels in a blender with water to cover and purée, pour this down the hole.

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Thanks for the tip. :)

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I attended the 'Designing a Garden' workshop this past weekend, and got a chance to ask the speaker, Heather Welch about DE. I have a ton of the little black ants only. She said, yes the DE will kill the ants, BUT it also kills the microbial life in the soil, which is working on decomposing the Mulch & Compost into the low level food the plants need. She didn't use, but recommended sprinkling Cinnamon on the gorund. The ants don't like it, and vacate the area. I don't recall if she said this kills the ants. I have used DE on the little black ants, and yes it does get rid of the ants. I try to find the nest and make a 6 inch circle around the nest, so returning ants walk through the DE. I dont' a;ways find the nest, so content myself with dusting the busy parts of the ant trail.

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Thanks for the info. I had no idea that it also kills microbial life. I certainly don't want to do that. My garden is in its first year so I need all the microbs I can get. :) I appreciate you sharing what you learned. Thanks and good luck with your garden.

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