Awhile back, this author suggested using a water “moat” to keep ants out of food dishes (see author’s other articles). That remedy was moderately successful, it turns out, as ants can “swim” for the most desired foods, and they also happen to need a drink sometimes. This may result in ants accessing the water, and drinking or drowning. Sometimes, ants make it all the way across into the pet’s food, and the party begins.

If you are as frustrated as the author, please try this method. It is failsafe. If you have heard of diatomacious earth, but don’t know too much about it, it can be obtained at plant nurseries or online. It is fairly cheap, and you can purchase it in smaller quantities. Make sure it is “food grade,” as the DE used in swimming pool filters and supply stores is not to be used around animals for this purpose.

Diatomacious earth is like a beige-colored flour, but it has microscopic shards on its structure which cut insects. Ants avoid it totally, and would not try to cross it. For humans and pets, this product is safe, and is used extensively in kennels, agriculture and other applications. As in any substance, one does not want to inhale quantities of it, as it could cause respiratory problems. If you have asthma, be careful not to breathe it. Not because it contains toxins, but because any kind of dusty irritant can cause an asthmatic problems. 

Diatomacious earth is a mined substance from the earth that is the remains of ancient diatoms (tiny sea creatures). These are microscopic skeletons that have layered on the bottoms of sea beds. This is turned into powders that can therefore be spread in any area where insects are a problem. This includes pet’s water and food dishes. 

Simply take a tablespoon or so of the “flour” and spread it in a wide circle where you feed your pet. Place water and food dishes in the middle of the circle. Your pet will stand in it to feed, which is fine and will not hurt them. However, if you have dark carpeting, there may be a dusty tracking from the food area to the living room. The further away food dishes are from dark carpeting, the less of a problem it will be. The DE will not harm floors, carpeting or furniture. It simply needs to be dusted or brushed off any surface, should it track. It doesn’t take much, so don’t overdo it.