Ok. So, there's supposed to be a chemical in orange oil (d-limonene) that breaks down the wax covering the exoskeleton of fire ants. Then the insect is supposed to dehydrate to death and thus end the fire ant occupation of my yard, garden, etc.
So, I mixed 2 oz of Orange Essential Oil with 1 gallon HOT water (though not boiling- I'm testing the oil, not the temperature).
Then, I found a mound that photographed well:
Then, I shook up the oil/water mix & poured it over the mound. In 1-2 days, the ants should be dead, never to return as the oil makes the location uninhabitable for them.
Now I get to play the waiting game. I hope it works!!!
Here's a link to an explanation of how it works: The Dirt Doctor
So Much Rain! I may never know if this REALLY works. What I CAN say is that the mounds I drenched in the Orange Oil solution have not had new construction after the rain like the other mounds around them have.
It rained today. Don't know how this will affect the outcome. May need to retry this.
ReplyDeleteIf/when you retry the orange oil and hot water combo, let me know if it works. I would be interested in trying this if it does.
ReplyDeleteSo Much Rain! I may never know if this REALLY works. What I CAN say is that the mounds I drenched in the Orange Oil solution have not had new construction after the rain like the other mounds around them have.
ReplyDelete