352 PESTS OF THE HOUSEHOLD AND STORED PRODUCTS 
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 13 
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 
Fic. 555.— The Little Red Ant. En- z EB 
larged and natural size. Original. 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 
slightly, 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. 
