114 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



applied on the end of a pole. This remedy is of special value against 

 the large black ant. 



If the nest is located in a wall or other place where the carbon bisul- 

 phide cannot be employed, and there is no objection to the odor of 

 kerosene for a time, the location of the nest might be soaked with a 

 strong kerosene emulsion. If thoroughly done it would in all probability 

 kill all the insects — egg, larva, pupa and imago. It surely would drive 

 them away after several applications if not at the very first. Hot water 

 has also been recommended for these pests. 



The little red ants often establish their nests in the walls or the 

 foundations of buildings, and then the preceding remedies cannot be 

 employed. Various baits may be effectively used. It is stated, on good 

 authority, that maple syrup with some London purple that was mixed in 

 a low dish and exposed in a frequented closet, not only killed large num- 

 bers but prevented the recurrence of the pest for a long time thereafter. 

 In a newspaper article before me the following is recommended : One 

 spoonful of tartar emetic and one spoonful of sugar mixed into a thin 

 syrup ; it relieved the house at once from their presence. An old and 

 popular remedy is dipping a sponge in sweetened water and placing it in 

 their haunts; when they collect therein the sponge may be dropped into 

 hot water. A greasy bone may be used in a similar manner. A few 

 repetitions of any of these baitings is usually all that is necessary; the 

 intelligence of danger or disaster seems to be rapidly communicated from 

 one to another, and safer quarters are sought by the colony. 



If their entrance to the house can be discovered, kerosene, or other 

 repellants as carboHc acid or napthaline, placed in their path will keep 

 them out. Ants are quite susceptible to pyrethrum powder and that 

 could be used where the presence of food did not prohibit. A mixture 

 of borax and sugar, well stirred with boiling water and left here and there 

 on bits of crockery, has been recommended. 



A broad chalk-line is an effectual barrier for many species of ants, 

 especially if frequently renewed, by the aid of which preserve jars or 

 special shelves in closets may be protected. This means would be of 

 value for keeping ants from tables and other places where they must 

 climb vertical walls in order to reach the desired position. Placing the 

 legs of tables in shallow vessels of water is also another protection from 

 these pests — the more effective if a thin film of kerosene is floated on 

 the water. 



