How To Get Rid Of Ants Recipe

Lowes has a 4lb bag for $9 but the contents feel compact. My local farmers co-op has a 4lb bag for $10 but feels very loose and powdery in the bag. Am looking forward this spring to sprinkling some on my ant beds and dusting my plants to keep off the aphids and other nefarious insects.

Here is some info I have been researching on DE as an insect control, including ants.

What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a remarkable, all-natural product made from tiny fossilized water plants. Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring siliceous sedimentary mineral compound from microscopic skeletal remains of unicellular algae-like plants called diatoms. These plants have been part of the earth's ecology since prehistoric times. It is believed that 30 million years ago the diatoms built up into deep, chalky deposits of diatomite. The diatoms are mined and ground up to render a powder that looks and feels like talcum powder to us. It is a mineral based pesticide. DE is approximately 3% magnesium, 33% silicon, 19% calcium, 5% sodium, 2% iron and many other trace minerals such as titanium, boron, manganese, copper and zirconium. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural (not calcined or flux calcined) compound. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural grade diatomite. However, the continual breathing of any dust should he absolutely avoided.

This DE is not the same thing as the DE used in swimming pool filters. Pool grade DE is Diatomaceous Earth produced for pool filters and it is treated with heat, causing the formerly amorphous silicon dioxide to assume crystalline form. Pool grade DE should never be used for pest control. Swimming pool DE ranges from 60% to 70% free silica!
How does it work?
To insects DE is a lethal dust with microscopic razor sharp edges. These sharp edges cut through the insect's protective covering drying it out and killing them when they are either dusted with DE or if it applied as a wettable powder spray. If they ingest the DE it will shred their insides.
DE can be used in greenhouses, homes, 
gardens and on all 
types of plants.
 
Diatomaceous Earth will not harm warm-blooded animals or earthworms
Earthworm farmers use it to treat their worm beds for parasites, fungus gnat larva etc. Earth worms are structurally different from insects in that they can actually digest particles of DE. The particles are then eliminated in their castings.

“Both swimming pool grade and natural diatomaceous earth come from the same fossil sources but they are processed differently. The natural grades are mined, dried, ground, sled and bagged. The pool grade is chemically treated and partially melted and consequently contains crystalline silica which can be a respiratory hazard. Thus, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ONLY NATURAL DIATOMACEOUS EARTH BE USED FOR INSECT CONTROL. This non-crystalline silica is not a hazard as the human body apparently can dissolve it. “
 What insects can DE be used for?
Diatomaceous Earth may be used as a barrier to control adult flea beetles, sawfly, coddling moth, twig borer, thrips, mites,  cockroach, slugs, snails and many other insects such as:
Aphids, thrips, earwigs, silverfish, and ants. Can be used for bedbugs, cabbage root flies, carrot root flies, fleas, pillbugs, ticks  and is helpful in dealing with fungus gnats. Indoor and Outdoor Application: Sprinkle a light layer of DE in areas where pests frequent, including under stoves, cabinets, sinks, garbage cans, window and door frames and sills,
entrance ways, sewer pipes and drains, and in cracks and crevices. Repeat treatment as needed.
Carpet Beetles: Thoroughly dust along baseboards, carpet edges, under furniture, carpet, and rugs, and in closets and shelving.
Bedbugs: Take apart bed and dust joints and channels. Dust any hollow tubing and the interior framework as well as the mattress and all cracks in the room. 
Fleas: Thoroughly dust carpets and pet's bedding and sleeping areas, as well as cracks and baseboards. It also can be rubbed into your pet's fur.
Flies: Thoroughly dust areas where flies frequent (walls, straw bedding, livestock pens). It also can be applied to livestock coat as an insect repellent/contact insecticide.
Fly Larva: Keeps fly larvae from developing in manure, which makes a significant reduction in the fly population.
Diatomaceous Earth - Experimental Feeding
of Codex Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth
to Zoo Animals
Richard Smith, Hallwood Inc., Animal Food Specialties, Grand Rapids, Michigan

A mixture of feed incorporating 2% diatomaceous earth was sent to three zoos for evaluation.  John Ball Park of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Brookfield Zoos of Chicago Illinois; and Buffalo Zoo of Buffalo, New York.  John Ball and Buffalo Zoos reported that their black bears on the special feed showed a better coat and clearer eyes.  The primates fed at the Brookfield Zoo displayed a pronounced improvement in both appearance and behavior.  Stool samples taken at all three zoos showed an absence of any internal parasites - adult or egg. Parasites in these animals were present prior to using the diatomaceous earth food mixture.
How is DE applied?

You can use any type of applicator. A compression sprayer can be used by making a thin slurry of DE and water. This method can you give precise coverage and when it dries the DE goes to work. A slurry can also be used as a "paint" on tree trunks to discourage insects and to give sunscald protection to the bark. A slurry paint may also be useful in deterring borers from laying eggs on bark. DE is compatible with natural fertilizer and most other wettable powders or liquid fertilizers and pesticides.
Are there any safety concerns with DE?
Yes, you must wear a dust mask when applying it as it can irritate the mucous membranes in the nose and mouth. Once the DE dust has settled it won't bother you.

A way to get rid of black ants....have a open jar of corn syrup and they get in but they don't get out...:) sweet revenge!

Tuilelaith! I personally would *love* to watch the little pests chew their legs off and die! Great suggestion here, and eco-friendly too. (Not that I'm all up into eco stuff, but hey--doesn't hurt)
With all the sugar I work with, ants are a constant problem! Thanks! --Kn0x--