How do I preventing walking pests (e.g. ants) from climbing legged furnatures (table)?

Would rubbing some petroleum jelly on the lower portion of the table prevent the ants from climbing?

You're best off stopping them before they get in.

The typical spray is good for interior baseboards, at entrances and under cabinets. It's not uncommon for them to come 'round in the spring and fall - and you should only have to treat a couple times before they disappear for the season.

If they are extra bad, you can use a granular perimiter treatment that you'll coat the ground with all around your house.

When this is the case at our apartments, we use Spectracide Ant Shield Home Barrier Granules (http://www.spectracide.com/ProductCategories/OutdoorInsecticide/AntShieldHomeBarrierGranules/).

Hi,
The other answer you received is very good. I have solved the Ant problem with Raid brand ant killer, sprayed around the outside of the house, near the ground, all the way around. Same works for spiders, very common in the mountains.
You can also get spray with little or no odor, for those who have trouble with spray odors.

If it doesn't work, ask for tangle foot at a garden supply. It is a sticky material meant to keep ants from climbing tree trunks.

We have found uncle alberts ant bait to be excellent. You can email me for more info or learn more about ants, etc by clicking on common pests at
http://www.nationalexterminators.com
I hope this helps.:D