What's a safe way to get rid of ants without contaminating the herbs?

Question

I have a few basil plants and a pepper plant, and ants have nested in them. What's the best way to safely get rid of them without a hit man?

Answer 1

It is going to sound crazy, but I promise it works. The sweetener ''Equal". It attacks the Central nervous system. They will be gone in 2 to 3 days. Even the underground nest.

Answer 2

Try some of these non-toxic controls:
Find the ant nest, then pour boiling water down the hole. Some follow up with vinegar after pouring the water. Do this when the ants are dormant, either during the day for harvester ants or during the night for most others.

Spread crushed mint (especially spearmint), tansy, or cinnamon in the affected area to deter ants. Or fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of peppermint essential oil & spray to make them go elsewhere.

Sprinkle chilli powder or cayenne pepper, or black pepper on ants & ant trails.

Make an organic spray repellent of citrus peel and water (mix in a blender) and spray ants directly on the ground or in their nest.

Cucumber is said to be another deterrent for ants. Spread peelings around the problem area (It might be worth a try).

Spray ants directly: 2 tablsp Ivory liquid soap( don't use detergents) to a gallon of water.
http://www.buyorganic.com.au/blog/index.php/2007/01/organic-pest-control-ants/

Here's a forum where others with an ant problem try to help with suggestions from their own experience. John Warner, PhD entomologist (U. of Florida) explains why grits don't work & doesn't make ants explode:
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/frugal/msg0617023830653.html?42

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 3

Dry Cream of Wheat or Wheat Germ. Swells up and kills them.

Or don't worry about them, since they are unlikely to damage the plants and just rinse them before you bring them inside.

Answer 4

just baking powder on the nest they take it with them in the nest, eat it and will die!

Answer 5

borax & sugar