Then go in with a damp paper towel to get all the intruders.Īre they nesting in the lime tree's pot? If so, definitely put a little moat of DE around the pot so that they can't get past the tree and into your house! Once they're in - try to find the source and block it. Instead, barriers are the only way I've found to work. If there are tons of them, make sure they don't tramp down the DE and make a path for each other.įor the ants in your house - they're so annoying aren't they! We're talking Argentine ants here I presume? If so, I've abandoned the Terro traps - they attract them in and around the house and kill the ones who drink - but their nests can be literally miles around so its just not a long term solution. The DE works by making little micro cuts on their bodies, so you need a little patience for it to work. And onto anywhere that ants are still going. Then, use diatomaceous earth rubbed all along the stump of the tree. Mix it up and spray it over the whole tree, especially anywhere where you see traces of the aphids. Then, for any live aphids that are still there, I use a little spray bottle that is mostly water and just a squirt of dish soap. Scrape it off as much as you can, all the little bumps. A little plastic knife reused from a fast food restaurant is perfect. I'll let you know what's worked for me and hopefully you'll have some luck as well!įor the scale, try scraping off as much as you can first.