The diotomaceous earth that Robert is thinking of is salt water
(thanks for the spelling) diotomaceous earth. It is used for filtering
systems (like the pool) but it is useless against insects. Be sure
that if you do use this stuff, to be sure and get the _fresh_ water
form... probably found in lawn and garden shops with an organic spin.
And for those of you who have never heard of Army ants (those
unfortunates from England, perhaps) they are _large_ black ants
that range from 7mm to 1 cm and have been known to carry away small
dogs and babies. Although they do not bite, they can wreak havoc
with a wood frame house. The best defense against them is a
.22 bullet to the head, but Diazinon will work in the absence of
fire arms.
Chris