We found one solution to ant and roach problems was an insect killer chalk.
It works really, really well... too well. Many people in Hawaii that I've mentioned it to had already heard of and use it.
We applied it on kitchen baseboards since that's what the diagram instructed.
I finally looked up these chalk killers online and got some alarming information.
I found this on the EPA website:
I was ready to toss out this chalk when I read this:
On the other hand, I don't see a list of the ingredients anywhere on the package or the booklet that came with it.
The diagram shows where to apply the chalk in the kitchen but then prohibits its use in commercial kitchens and eating areas. Hmmmm...
OK... So I'm going with my gut instincts. Art can use it outside if he wants to, but not in the house.
So there!
We applied it on kitchen baseboards since that's what the diagram instructed.
I finally looked up these chalk killers online and got some alarming information.
I found this on the EPA website:
Children can easily mistake insecticide chalk for blackboard chalk or put it in their mouths. Some insecticide chalks can cause serious health problems, including vomiting, stomach pains, convulsions, tremors, loss of consciousness, and serious allergic reactions.
- Illegal insecticide chalk is dangerous. Also known as "Miraculous Chalk" or "Chinese Chalk," you may have seen it sold in a neighborhood store or on the street for about $1 a box. It is mostly imported illegally from China and often bears a label in both English and Chinese. Sometimes the manufacturer claims that the chalk is "harmless to human beings and animals" and "safe to use." These claims are untrue and dangerous.
- Look for an EPA registration number on the pesticide's container. This number tells you that EPA has examined the safety testing.
- Look for a list of the active ingredients on the label. Any product registered with EPA must state the active ingredients on the label.
- Trust your instincts. Shop for pesticides only in stores you know and trust. Don’t buy products that are packed or wrapped suspiciously.
On the other hand, I don't see a list of the ingredients anywhere on the package or the booklet that came with it.
OK... So I'm going with my gut instincts. Art can use it outside if he wants to, but not in the house.
So there!
This stuff looks scary to me. I never heard of it before, but I too would definitely not use it in the house. :-)
ReplyDeleteI used to sprinkle a borax solution around the exterior perimeter of the house, which did a good job of keeping bugs out. I wonder if drawing a chalk line around it would do the same thing?
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
ReplyDeleteI have had ants twice since I have lived here and was unable to get rid of them. I call a pesticide company and both time the put up two little plastic containers of some liquid which they ate and took back to the nest. Both times I was told that I could not buy this myself and it required a federal license to provide. Ants are durable!
ReplyDeleteThat really sounds scary to me- I would probably trash it just because I would be afraid an animal or even a pet would get into it outdoors. Definitely wouldn't use it indoors. Borax- Kathy mentioned that above...I have used that before and it worked pretty well.
ReplyDeleteLabels tell it all, right Kay? We all want something that works on these little critters, but not something that will cause other problems.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, I think I have no place in this discussion. I would probably use the stuff inside as long as there are no small children or pets that can reach it. I think we use a lot of stuff we would be afraid of if we actually knew what was in it.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a happy mother's day. Since I don't have children visiting but once a year, I would use it inside. But yes, I would read your instructions and look for the EPA info first. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of this, but I always look for the most natural products first. I have had little problem with bugs and ants this year, but if all else failed while I was battling them I am sure I would have been tempted to use this outside.
ReplyDeletei never heard of this either.
ReplyDeleteUsing it only outside sounds like a safe compromise.
ReplyDeletethese don't sound good
ReplyDeletewow it works great
ReplyDeleteThink I would stick with outside too. What is the difference between your kitchen and a restaurant's?
ReplyDeleteI got one of those sonic sound wave things that deter pests. It doesnt' work 100% like you would think, but it makes a difference
ReplyDeleteI'm with Linda - I would use it to get rid of roaches because they are so dang resistant to most solutions. However, I wouldn't use it if I had little kids that might mistakenly touch it.
ReplyDeleteCurrently I use those Hoy Hoy traparoach sticky traps and I have a sturdy fly swatter that I use to swat roaches on the wall or counter with gusto and joy. The war rages on, but I figure that I am bigger and have more resources, so I am winning.
scary...we always have our house sprayed outside for bugs but not inside!
ReplyDeleteI read that if you plant mint outside ants don't like it and it is a natural deterrent. Now, I haven't tried this yet so not sure if it works. I have had a few ants so far but not enough to warrant drastic action. Tropical climes have more of a problem I know. California we were infested with fleas at one residences, and when we moved to Virginia, from previous owners having cats. Don't want to malign poor cats but on at least one occasion the person who owned a cat used an inside the wall vacuum system and when she left the house, well you can guess what state the house was in. I remember moving in and wondering what all those nasty little black things were that were jumping all over me. Ugh!
ReplyDeletewe don't have an insect problem in our houses but I would not use insecticide in my house. On the other hand, we have problems controlling ants outside.
ReplyDeleteappreciate you sharing
ReplyDelete