Ants in a summer cottage can destroy a significant portion of the crop. Many gardeners do not want to use chemicals, but they also cannot tolerate insect infestations. A method tested by agronomists with natural ingredients helps solve the problem without harm to the soil and plants.
Natural insecticide is a homemade remedy based on boric acid and banana peel. Banana attracts ants with a sweetish smell, and boric acid destroys their digestive system, causing dehydration and death. At the same time, the product is safe for plants and soil.
When to use this method
Assess the situation on the site before preparing bait:
- Ants attack garden beds and berry bushes – the method fits perfectly.
- There are children or pets on the property — boric acid in such a concentration is not very dangerous, but place the bait in places inaccessible to them.
- The anthill is located right in the garden bed – it is better to combine the bait with pouring boiling water or removing the top layer.
- Rain is on the way – the bait will get wet and lose effectiveness. Choose a dry period.
How to prepare and use
Proceed strictly according to the recipe, without violating the proportions, emphasizes agronomist Ksenia Davydova.
Take the peel of one banana. Make sure there is no rot or mold on it. Chop thoroughly with a knife or scissors.
Prepare the solution: Dissolve 2 teaspoons of boric acid in 1 liter of water. Stir until completely dissolved. Place the chopped peel into the solution and leave in a dark place for 24 hours.
After a day, remove the peel and discard the liquid. Place the pieces in places where ants gather: at the entrance to the anthill, on ant trails, under bushes. Renew the bait every 2-3 days until the insects disappear completely.
Conclusion
Banana peel infused with boric acid works like a magnet: ants eat the bait and die. The method is safe for plants, does not require expensive drugs and gives results within a few days.
The main thing is to maintain proportions and lay out the bait in dry weather.
Personal experience
I tried many methods to get rid of ants on strawberries: I poured boiling water and sprinkled them with ash – it didn’t help for long. I found a recipe with banana and boric acid in a garden chat. After three days, the insects became noticeably smaller, and after a week they almost disappeared. The strawberries remained intact, and there was no need to buy chemicals.
