Freakin Ants

In Mexico, at least where we are, it's unheard of to have a slab foundation. They normally dig trenches, pour footings, put up the walls, roof etc, then pour the floor when everything else is done. This method leaves a "cold joint" between the floor and the wall. This becomes a problem as it provides an area between the floor and wall where ants can find their way into the house much easier.

In our guest house there must be 4 or 5 different colonies under the house now. If a piece of food is left out they show up in less than 10 minutes. Another big problem is termites. One of our neighbors who's an incredible carpenter made beautiful baseboard only to have subterranean termites come up through the joint and destroy it. This is a problem we never considered.

I've since found out that in the bigger cities you can have the soil fumigated prior to pouring the floor to resolve this issue. Out here in the boonies, all we'd get is some guy with a can of raid who would charge $200.00. Another solution I've discovered it to pour boric acid powder around the perimeter of the footings before pouring the floor. That sounds like it may be our best option when we build the main house.

In the meantime we've tried everything. They laugh at ant bait and chew right through the silicone I used to try to seal the joint. I don't want to spray because of the cats. That would only work for a few days anyhow.

Below is my next great attempt to block the ants. I'm hoping they cant chew through mortar and grout. Hopefully this tile border will seal them in for good!





Hey...it actually looks good too...