Re: [DIY] Ants

 

Cindi I love his type of puzzle.  I can think of a couple of way to do that, especially if you're tiling the backsplash.  You would need to do the prep work while the hole is open...attach a piece of wood that spans the opening and attaches to either side inside the wall.  This would be a "stop" for the removable piece to rest on so it doesn't fall through --  then insert a "key" to remove it.  Could be as simple as a decorative piece of tile set out from the background, an antique drawer pull or knob, just something you can grip with your fingers.  Cut your sheetrock to fit the opening perfectly...make allowances for the grout to be on the removable section.  You might need to do a little touch-up when you remove and replace it if you chip any grout but I don't think you're going to be doing this too often?  Do you have a section of wall that isn't easily seen, maybe a corner piece that would not be in the main line of sight?  You could make the same removable section and put it on hinges, so it would swing open -- or get a few antique hinges and incorporate them into the design - with one being a working hinge.  Or, simply cut a small hole big enough to put the BA through and cover it with a piece of flashing and tape it to the wall with long-term tape.  On the front hang a decorative tile, a platter or picture.  Something that adds to the decor yet effectively covers the opening.  Hmm, I like that idea.  Decorative tiles are very popular now and could be set on top of the tiled backsplash, small ones set on an angle.  How about hand painted tiles set randomly, maybe with pictures of herbs, your pets, flowers etc.  Would be easy to make even if you're not artistic.  How about your kids handprints in bright colors?  You could stencil a design or use a decal and seal it.  You might also include a decorative wood trim at the bottom/top of the tile that covers a small opening.  Attached with small nails it could be removed once or twice a year to put in the BA.  Just be sure to use some type of sealant when you replace it so the little critters don't see it at a welcoming doorway :)

I've actually done something similar in our MB, but was a small piece of tile that fit on an angle between the tub and the toe stop of the cupboard.  Ants were coming in to the water, enough to be irritating.  It looked solid but I figured out the piece was simply set in place when it fell out one day. It was open to the underneath of the house and I was afraid that  1) something bigger than ants would get in and 2) the tile would fall through if I messed with it too much.  I finally hot glued a "handle" so I wouldn't lose it, then set it firmly in place.  Added a tiny bit of grout where it was loose and simply hot glued it in place along the grout line.  The hot glue dries clear and this is on the floor so you can't tell anything was done.  When the tile was cold the handle just popped off. That was several years ago, it's been no problem and while I occasionally have a tiny ant, it's never more than three or four.

On Oct 4, 2011, at 8:34 PM, Cindi Waters wrote:

 

In one kitchen, I literally knocked down part of the wall behind the sink (2nd floor) where the ants were marching in from, and I threw gobs of boric acid behind the wall & sink. Yes ... it worked for a long, long while. I was "trying" to invent a backsplash where I could remove part of it from time to time and throw more BA down, LOL, but it would take more brain power and know-how than I have but it sure was a good idea and would be still if I could effect it. Tile the background, make a few slats there are removable and voila! throw the BA down behind the sink. :-)

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