How Do Increased Concentrations of Salt and Baking Soda Affect the Repellent of Ants?

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of this experiment is to determine which non-toxic compound, salt or baking soda, is more effective in repelling ants and establish an optimal concentration for the material. Methods/Materials Ants were attracted to cotton balls soaked in 20% sugar solutions. Cotton balls were soaked in pure water, 10%, 40%, and 70% concentrations of salt or baking soda solutions and placed in the center of fresh petri dishes. Ten ants were placed on top of the soaked cotton ball. After 5 minutes, the amount of ants repelled from the cotton ball were recorded. This procedure was performed for all 7 concentrations and repeated 4 times for each concentration. Results Increases in concentrations of either salt or baking soda repelled ants in greater numbers. Concentrations of 40% baking soda and 70% salt were the most effective solutions to repel ants, while 70% salt seemed better. A control group, with only water, showed that only 1 or no ants were repelled. The other three salt and baking soda concentrations repelled between 4.3 and 6.3 ants on average. Conclusions/Discussion These results proved the hypothesis, partially correct. Increasing concentrations of salt and baking soda solutions increased the effectiveness of repelling local Odorous house ants. The results also suggested that salt is a more effective ant repellant than baking soda. Baking soda at higher concentrations, seemed to impact ants# movement, and eventually caused death. These results provide a feasible #green# way to help keep ants out of houses and control their population.

Competition history

• CSEF 2012 Pharmacology/ Toxicology · Entry J1718

Resources

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