Can detergent also evaporate beside water?

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The discussion centers on the use of water and detergent in containers to prevent ants from climbing up bed legs. It clarifies that while water will evaporate, household detergents generally do not evaporate and are unlikely to pose health risks. The conversation explores alternatives to detergent for reducing water's surface tension to help sink ants, suggesting substances like shower gel, shampoo, or mineral oil. It emphasizes that surfactants are responsible for lowering surface tension, and while detergents serve this purpose, other surfactants can be used as well. The importance of regularly changing the water to prevent mold and odors is highlighted, along with the notion that using simple, safe solutions is effective. The thread concludes with a recommendation to maintain cleanliness and simplicity in the approach to managing the ant problem.
  • #31
My father, who served in Monty's 8th Army, North Africa, claimed they stood table, bed and other 'fixture' furniture legs in open cans of waste engine oil to thwart the ants, scorpions, spiders etc etc. What legs etc they could not 'moat', such as 'movables' and tent-poles, they 'grease-banded'. a traditional gardener's trick. Commercial versions now widely available...
 
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  • #32
Hmmm... A lively and wide-ranging trail...

I agree, detergent will not evaporate under 'room' conditions

I am a big fan of KISS "Keep It Simple .. Super" (Slight mod on the last S..)

So.. detergent and water which you are happy to wash your dishes with and perhaps get all over your hands, is a simple and harmless moat. Replace the solution whenever it gets gross (with deadants etc) - simple
 

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