Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Is this the most effective ant killer?

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diy-ant-killer-header

I might just try it.

Whether it be summer or winter, the first thing you need to be prepared for… are ants. It’s a big problem where we live and I can tell you that we have tried everything known to mankind.

So it is with great interest that I actually read this whole recipe. The Borax and Sugar, Ant Killer is easy and safe. It is used in a liquid form, and therefore, easy to use.

It costs next to nothing to make and lasts a year. And as per the author of this recipe, they haven’t had the ant problem for a whole year!

I am going to give this a try. And so should you if you are having this problem. Get the recipe here.

Comments

  1. Hello,

    I live in the South and not only do we have sugar ants, we also have fire ants which bite, sting, and itch. One day, I accidentally discovered that they hate mint. Now, when they appear in my yard or garden, I put a sprig of mint in the mound and within a few days they disappear. Sometimes it will take root, but most times it doesn’t.

    Now I only need to see if this will work on carpenter ants.

    Debbie in sunny North West Florida

  4. I soaked a cotton ball with the Borax/sugar mixture and set the cotton ball on a sour cream lid then I set the lid in my cabinet where the ants were. Within a day or 2 the ants were gone. I heard it is not safe for animals.

  5. Do NOT use Borax if you have animals or small children that could come in contact with it.

Have you read?

Vintage Crochet Baby Dress Pattern Review

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.