why does ammonia kill insects, spiders, etc.

[Lee Davidson]

Please e-mail me answers.

I have noticed that a little bit of Windex is an effective means of
grounding and killing flies, wasps, and so on, and also seems to put
roaches and spiders out of commission. My guess has been that it
clogs up their respiratory system, suffocates them and all. But that's
only a guess. Can someone explain to me the mechanism behind the
fatal effects of ammonia -- as I assume it's that ingredient in Windex
which is active here?
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 Lee Davidson   | "The trouble with the Turing test is that there are heuristic
 lmd at netcom.com | algorithms in use on both sides." -- (overheard in
 std disclaimer | conversation with the other side)
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