Things You'll Need
Bleach
Diatomaceous earth
Cardboard
Jelly
Boric acid or borax
Straws
Lying out on the sand to enjoy the warmth of sun isn't so fun when the ground is infested with ants. Several types of ants love hanging out in sandy environments, including leaf cutter ants, lawn ants, velvet ants and black garden ants. Eradicating ants is challenging, especially in loose sand or sandy soils where ants can easily escape to deeper levels. Increase the likelihood of eliminating an ant infestation by employing a combination of methods.
Step 1
Create a solution of one part bleach and one part water and pour the solution onto ant colonies. The aqueous solution will penetrate deeply into the sand and the ants will succumb to the chemical agents in the bleach. As long as direct contact is not made, bleach will not harm plants.
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Step 2
Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around ant colonies and on the sandy ground where ants are commonly seen. Diatomaceous earth is safe to people, animals and the environment, but will lacerate the ants when they come into contact with the particulates.
Step 3
Make ant baits. Mix equal parts of jelly and boric acid or borax. Boric acid is also safe for people and pets. Cut up several small pieces of cardboard. Smear a small amount of the jelly mixture on the pieces of cardboard and place them on the ground where ants are seen. Also stuff the jelly mixture into straws and stick the straws deep into the soil where ants are seen. The jelly will draw the ants from the sand. After ingestion, the boric acid will poison the ants.
Step 4
Keep the lawn and garden healthy with vegetation. Vegetation will attract animals that like to eat ants. Ant predators include birds, frogs, lizards and spiders. If the soil is too sandy to accommodate plants, alternative ant predator attractors include potted plants and flowers, backyard ponds, birdbaths and bird feeders. If possible, acquire chickens, which will also eat ants.
Tip
To repel ants, either spray water mixed with several drops of peppermint extract or sprinkle a combination of one part chili powder and one part cinnamon on ant colonies and around the perimeter of the property. Chili powder, cinnamon and peppermint are all ant repellents.
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