Mentor

Deborah Waller, Old Dominion University

Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Paper

DOI

10.25776/cdf2-ja22

Pages

1-4 pp.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the ant-repellent potential of household spices, namely chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder, against ants (Formicidae). The experiments were conducted using sticky note paper as a substrate, on which granulated sugar was placed as bait. In the control baits, only granulated sugar was used, while in the treatment baits, granulated sugar mixed with each spice was used. The baits were placed near ant nests. One hour after placing the baits, the number of ants on the control and treatment baits was counted for each control-treatment pair (five pairs in total, with each pair placed one meter apart). Statistical analysis using the Sign Test showed that two of the treatments, Chili and Coriander powders, significantly repelled the ants at P-values of 0.031, while cumin powder can decrease the numbers of ant but was not statistically significant. This means that chili and coriander powders can be good non-toxic alternatives for ant control, while cumin powder may also be a viable option, though further study is needed to confirm its efficacy.

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