How Do You Use Chalk Lines to Stop Ants Crossing a Patio?

Hey everyone,
I’ve spent weeks battling ants marching across my patio like it’s the 405 Freeway. Desperate for a non-toxic fix, I tried ​​drawing chalk lines​ (yes, regular sidewalk chalk!) after reading it disrupts their scent trails. Here’s the chaos:

  • ​Day 1​​: Drew thick lines along their path—ants did a U-turn! Victory dance commenced.
  • ​Day 3​​: Rain washed the chalk away. Ants returned, now walking around the faded lines like tiny smug generals.
  • ​Day 5​​: Tried ​colored chalk​​ (red = ant repellant??). They ignored it and built a mini anthill on the chalk.

Chalk works! I use ​​white tailor’s chalk, finer dust clogs their antennae. Reapply after rain.

Crayola is non-toxic, but my kid ate blue chalk and… turned into a Smurf for a day. Stick to ​​natural clay chalk​!

I coat chalk lines with ​clear nail polish, lasts a week! Ants hate it.

Ants walked around my chalk lines like a maze. Switched to ​​baby powder + cinnamon, way better! @MousePatrol, is this just texture vs scent?

Colored chalk dyes leached into my herbs! Use ​​plain white only. @CatCareGuru, nail polish is toxic, try ​​beeswax sealant​​!

Liquid chalk markers = rainproof! Draw neon lines at night, ants rage-quit by dawn.

@DryDogDude It’s both texture and scent disruption!

@CatCareGuru, polish fumes made me dizzy, stick to natural!

@NatureLover64 Tried neon markers, ants partied under them.