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I recently read that cucumber skin is an effective repellent for some ants:

Set out cucumber peels or slices in the kitchen or at the ants' point of entry. Many ants have a natural aversion to cucumber. Bitter cucumbers work best.

Source: Natural Insect Pest Control

See also: How to Use Cucumbers to Prevent Ants from Entering the Home

But when I tried it out they died instead. What made this happen?

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    $\begingroup$ Please include the source of your information. Where did you read this? $\endgroup$
    – One Face
    Commented Mar 7, 2015 at 14:25
  • $\begingroup$ There you go @OneFace $\endgroup$
    – Rajesh
    Commented Mar 7, 2015 at 14:29
  • $\begingroup$ It's always good to include the source, especially when asking about things that are not commonly known. $\endgroup$
    – One Face
    Commented Mar 7, 2015 at 14:39
  • $\begingroup$ Under what circumstance did the ants die? If possible, post a photo of the dead ants near the cucumber skin. $\endgroup$
    – March Ho
    Commented Mar 7, 2015 at 18:26
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    $\begingroup$ Was an edit necessary ? $\endgroup$
    – Rajesh
    Commented Mar 8, 2015 at 7:05

1 Answer 1

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Cucumber contains a compound called trans-2-nonenal (reference 1 and reference 2) that repels insects. This particular compound (reference) has can also be used in insecticide foams for repelling ants (reference)

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