When it comes to dealing with ants, many people go down the home remedy road to get rid of them. One such remedy often use in and around the home is Jeyes fluid. But does Jeyes fluid kill ants or could it attract them instead?
Yes, Jeyes fluid is a chemical that you can use to kill ants in your home or garden.
Jeyes fluid is a disinfectant fluid, but you can use it to kill ants and other insects. It is important to use Jeyes fluid at the correct concentration because it is quite strong.
You can dilute the solution and use it on outside walls or across the patio of your home to kill ants successfully.
What is the Best Chemical to Kill Ants?
Many people believe that hiring a professional ant exterminator is the way to go because they know how to handle ants better. However, you can kill ants without paying hefty amounts to exterminators if you have the right chemicals.
Here are a few chemicals you can use to kill ants:
Pyrethroids and Pyrethrins
A common ingredient found in commercially available ant killers is pyrethroids. This chemical paralyzes ants which consequently kills them. An upside to using these chemicals is they do not cause harm to humans and animals.
Unlike most chemicals, pyrethroids do not trigger allergic reactions like asthma.
However, using this chemical is harmful to fish and other aquatic life – like most chemicals, unfortunately. Therefore, it is important to ensure you never dump these chemicals where water runs off.
Piperonyl Butoxide
This chemical does not work alone and has to be used with other chemicals. This chemical on its own is not an ant killer. Using this chemical also causes harm to other animals.
On the other hand, the chemical is safe for humans but can cause allergic reactions to some people if ingested, such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Hydramethylnon
Hydramethylon is a popular ant-killer. The chemical works slowly but surely to kill ants and other insects. As a result, professional exterminators commonly use this chemical.
The chemical is a good long-term solution. When ants encounter the chemical, they become lazy and weak and will continue to feel so for a few days. The ants die after three to four days.
However, the chemical is potentially carcinogenic. If you use the chemical with proper care, it will not harm you. On the other hand, if you are not careful, you may experience eye irritation and respiratory issues as it is toxic.
Methoprene and Pyriproxyfen
These two chemicals do not kill ants but rather work to stunt their growth.
When ants ingest these chemicals, they will not move to the adult stage. While these chemicals work on all types of ants, people use them most for fire ants.
The upside to using these chemicals is they are not harmful to humans and animals. They are, however, harmful to aquatic life. This is often the case with chemicals so ensure you dispose of them properly.
Neonicotinoids
This chemical is found in the nectar and pollen of some plants. Unfortunately, the chemical is harmful to bees. Many people are already familiar with the chemical because it is common to use them in gardens to prevent insects from harming plants.
The chemical is not that poisonous to humans, but still, you should use it with care.
These are some chemicals great for killing ants. Which type of chemical is the best depends on the infestation you have. However, using any of the above chemicals will show you promising results.
It is important to practice care when it comes to using chemicals and, generally speaking, no problem is bad enough to use chemicals that can have a drastically negative impact on the environment.
Instead, try using safer methods such as baking soda or simply boiling water.
Is Jeyes Fluid Harmful to Plants?
Jeyes fluid is used as a disinfectant on patios and houses. It can also be used to remove mould, algae and even some insects. But could you also be doing harm to plants in your garden by using Jeyes fluid?
Jeyes fluid is strong and extremely toxic. The fluid can kill insects that are also good for the garden, which can have adverse effects on the plants.
The owner of Jeyes fluid itself claims that the fluid is toxic. Therefore, it can be harmful to plants.
Don’t Use Jeyes Fluid in the Garden
It’s toxic to plants. It’s toxic to wildlife. It’s toxic to the environment. Where possible, avoid using it in your garden.
Is Jeyes Fluid Toxic to Pets?
People who use Jeyes fluid should be careful because it is highly toxic. This fluid can harm you, your pets, and any wildlife.
The product mentions that you should use it externally, and it should never be ingested. While the chemical is harmful to all pets, it is especially dangerous to cats because it has a high content of coal acid.
The chemical can enter the bloodstream through skin contact; therefore, keeping all your pets away from the area is best. The brand itself says that it is not safe for anyone to be in the area until the liquid is completely dry.
All these warnings, from Jeyes fluid themselves, should set alarm bells ringing!
Summary
When dealing with an ant infestation, some people prefer to use home remedies, while others like to use chemicals. One such chemical popular to kill ants is Jeyes fluid.
This fluid is used primarily as a disinfectant, but you can also use it to kill ants and other insects. However, the liquid is strong and toxic; therefore, it is important to dilute it first.
Jeyes fluid, while killing insects, can also harm those that are good for plants. Since the solution is so strong, it can also harm plants. It is important to keep your pets away until the liquid has dried because even skin contact can let it enter your bloodstream.
This liquid is especially toxic to cats due to the high coal acid level. Where possible, we would strongly advise AGAINST using Jeyes fluid to kill ants.
