When you find ants invading your home, it can make you feel frustrated and desperate. You may search for different ant control methods. Ant chalk may come up as a viable solution to stop ants in their tracks, but does it really work and should you use it?
Toxic
Ant chalk contains insecticides that my work against some ants. However, it may not act as enough of a deterrent against all ants. It is not exactly the effectiveness of the chalk that is the concern. Instead, it is the legality behind using it.
Ant chalk, which is also sometimes called Chinese chalk, looks just like a normal stick of chalk. The ingredients in the chalk are legal insecticides, and yet the use of it is illegal. Most chalks now come imported from other countries, particularly China.
When used, the chalk provided extremely dangerous for pets and children. It is a toxic product that children would often confuse for normal chalk. Both pets and children accidentally ingested the chalk and it led to widespread concerns.
The Lies
Although ant chalk is not an approved product for use to legally control ants in your home, you may still find it at some stores. The store selling the product likely had it imported in illegally. You can easily recognize ant chalk because the package usually contains wording in both Chinese and English.
Unfortunately, the packaging often lies. It promises to help you with serious ant infestations while also promising that it is not harmful to pets or children. Therefore, people still buy ant chalk believing that it is safe for them to use.
Young children who think the chalk is regular play chalk often put it in their mouths. Dogs may also curiously consume the chalk or lick up a chalk line if they find it. Unfortunately, ant chalk can cause very serious reactions, including:
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Serious allergic reaction
- Loss of consciousness
Considering the dangers ant chalk poses, it is better to avoid it at all costs.
Professional Assistance
If you recently purchased ant chalk, it is best that you get rid of it immediately, especially if you have young children and pets in your home. Rather than risking potential harm by using an illegal product, contact a professional instead. A pest control professional can help you destroy an ant infestation quickly and effectively.