Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Ring Of Fire

August 22, 2016, 01:29:15 pm

Hi Folks,

Just rolled into our spot at Serrano Campground in Big Bear, Ca.

The first thing, of course, level the rig. With that my daughter commented, "Dude there's a bunch of ants..."

Yep. Little pesky guys were already clambering all over the leveling blocks. I remembered seeing someone in Zion sprinkle white powder around their rig's tires to ward of pests. Not really sure what they used, but after they pulled out that white "ring of fire" was still there. Even after the next RV pulled in. "Unsightly stuff, wonder what it is"?, I asked my DW.

Needless to say, that today, the ants were headed toward the tires of my beloved LD and upward. Something had to be done. I needed a ring of fire of my own.

It was then that I remembered the recent thread on "ticks" and quickly retrieved my Eco-Friendly and Safe Tick spray.  Eureka!

I sprayed around each set of tires creating a barrier of sorts. So far the ants are meandering in the area but none have climbed upon the blocks or other tires.

Did it work? I'm I safe? Only time will tell. I'll keep an eye on it and see if it maintains that "ring of fire".

Kent 

Re: Ring Of Fire

Reply #2 – August 22, 2016, 04:18:40 pm

"Obviously boric acid , another white powder would also work."
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Yes, it would work; boric acid is a pesticide/insecticide. It's also very toxic to pets, wildlife, and humans.  Very young kids do shove pretty much anything into their mouths, and are the likely ingesters.  However, if there are no little ones in the group, I'd be a lot more concerned about pets and/or wildlife getting into it.

If you aren't able to move to an ant-free site, you might try the Comet; even with "bleach" (sodium hypochlorite), it's less toxic  than boric acid. (You can look up the MSDS for the various "Comet" products.)

As ever, YMMV.

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Re: Ring Of Fire

Reply #4 – August 22, 2016, 05:33:20 pm

Kent

The mysterious white 'ring of fire' left by a previous camper may have been Diazinon Granules, made by Ortho and available in most garden stores. The color of the stuff I have is brownish grey. I can attest that it will repel  ants of any sort, including fire ants in the south. Used my share while stationed in Mississippi. 

Re: Ring Of Fire

Reply #6 – August 22, 2016, 07:01:27 pm

Wow! So many great ideas and suggestions. I especially like pet/human non-toxic remedies.

Diatomaceous Earth has been very useful for me around the S&B's.

And the links provided are amazing. So many ways to deter and disperse the little pests. They have their place, of course, just not in my house. I've been using the soapy water in the spray bottle for years. Non-Toxic and effective immediately.

Oh yeah, and Cool Hand Luke. Got a copy in my Lazy Disc collection. Great film, poor Blue. 

Thanks,

Kent 

Re: Ring Of Fire

Reply #8 – August 22, 2016, 11:26:06 pm

Jean,

That's what I call "spreading the wealth".

Cheers!

Kent