Just wanted to add some more thoughts on D.E. as to why it is so useful for the above purpose as well as many others. Insects don't have the ability to clot (unlike humans)their internal fluid (blood) there for if they get pricked they will literally bleed to death no matter how small the cuts are. D.E. can even be applied in a sprayer (with a small squirt of dishsoap to help stick it to plants or other surfaces) if kept agitated so as not to clog the nozzle. Then when it dries it will be reactivated. It will wash off so will need to be reapplied if rain or over head watering is used. The one thing I always remind folks about DE is that it is a dust and needs to be handled carefully so as not to breathe it into your lungs. (not a good thing). Use a standard dust mask if air borne dust is a possibility. Not trying to horn in Al, just offer more info on the subject.:) Happy Growing David

Well it's good to see you over here on the GA forum!!! I have the same problem and use ultra-fine horticultural oil mixed with water. I believe the brand is "Sunspray". You'd have to read the label since there are several plants that don't like this stuff. All that comes to mind right now is ajuga, but I don't remember it being a very long list...Normally I have to spray 2 or 3 times to completely wipe them out.

Hi Marnie, What can I say like well Ants are everywhere, and while they are there at least you know you dont have termites, but they are a jolly nuisance all the same. And yes I know what it is like to see them come into your house by the thousands go up the wall and walk all around your cornices to come down again and go out through the front of your house somewhere, beats me why they didn't walk over the garden to the front, or under the house, it would have been a lot quicker. Now we are talking brand new house here 5 years ago, hubby and I built it ourselves and while we were building it I said to hubby look at all those ants coming up the bearers, then when we put the joists in same thing, by time we put the frame up the wall studs were alive with the blighters so you can imagine our surprise one day when we go to the block to start work to find none there at all, why because it rained. And I have noticed over the past few years since we have lived here, when it is real dry they come in looking for water, I used to find them in the bath, sinks and even in the toilet cisten, then when it rained really heavy the same thing happened. This year we have had none so far, in the dry or wet but that could be because I have put down those Bait Stations where they go in and take some of it back to the nest and feed Her Majesty and she dies. About two months ago I layed the Bait Stations again when I seen them come in and I seen them go but they have not returned.I cant believe it as there are thousands in the Garden and if you can put up with them out there, let them be after all its their back yard too. But in the house well thats a different matter and I think its best they are not there.....Cheers..MM.

I dont know if this is an issue in the UK, but here in Western Australia - what you are describing is generally caused by water repellent soil. Dusty sandy soil can prevent water from penetrating roots and deprive the plant of nutrients and water - even if you are flooding your plant. put a few drops of water into the soil. if it beads up then that is your problem. The solution is simple. buy a wetting agent and add a small amount every few months or so - via a watering can or spraying it. wetting agent is nothing more than a detergent which breaks down the surface tension of the water. You can use household dishwashing liquid but I dont recommend it for regular use as unlike commercially prepared wetting agent - dishwashing detergent will change the PH of your soil. Adding considerable organic content into your soil is also a good solution.