352 PESTS OF TH^ HOUSEHOLD AND STORED PRODUCTS 



Fig. 555. —The Little Red Ant. En 

 larged and natural size. Original. 



houses and is an intolerable pest. In this case it is not possible to 

 hunt out and destroy the nests because they are made in every con- 

 ceivable location. The plan consists in setting out numerous supplies 

 of a dilute, slow-acting poison, which the foraging ants not only eat 



but carry back to the nests and 

 feed to the young. By using a 

 diluted poison the colony itself is 

 slowly exterminated, as well as the 

 foragers that go out from it. 



The poison is prepared by dis- 

 solving 5 pounds of sugar in 1^ 

 pints of water, placing it in a 

 double boiler and heating gently. 

 Then dissolve one fourth ounce of 

 sodium arsenite in a little hot 

 water, and add this to the syrup 

 solution. Place a sponge in a 

 can or a glass jar with a tin lid, 

 and punch three or four holes in the lid. Moisten the sponge with 

 the poisoned syrup. If ants avoid the jar after a time, move it 

 sUghtly, and they will again visit it. In large buildings it is neces- 

 sary to provide several of the jars for each floor. In residences 

 from one to six jars usually will be sufficient. Often one will do the 

 work. 



The above material is poisonous to human beings, and proper care 

 should be taken in its preparation and use. 



The best barrier to prevent ants from gaining access to places where 

 food is placed or stored is the so-called " ant tape." To make this 

 prepare a saturated solution of corrosive sublimate and water by heat- 

 ing an excess of the crystals in water in a granite or porcelain vessel 

 (not iron), cooling and filtering. Soak common cotton tape in this for 

 several hours, then take out, hang up, and dry. Ants will not cross 

 this tape. It will remain effective for a year, but must not be placed 

 in contact with any iron, tin, or aluminum. It must be remembered 

 that corrosive sublimate is a dangerous poison. 



