The Ant: Pest of the Household

The most common ants in houses are the "little red ant," Monomorium pharaonis L., and a closely related species, somewhat larger and black in color, Monomorium minutum Mayr.

In getting rid of ants it is a great help if the main colonies can be hunted out and destroyed. The black ant lives outdoors, and enters the house through some convenient crack. The little red ant always has its nest in the walls or under the floors.

Either may be caught and killed in large numbers by saturating a sponge with sweetened water, placing it where they are abundant, and now and then dropping the sponge into boiling water. Scraps of bone or meat will do as well, and should be burned when well covered.