I have pets and don't want to use any sprays. I've tried Terro in the past and the ants treated it like candy and swarmed on it. I have a very clean kitchen and this is driving me insane!
2007-09-17 11:24:33 · 7 answers · asked by MeaCulpa 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
You need to treat the problem at its source which is OUTDOORS! Look for a product that you can spread around the perimeter of your house (granular form). I believe there is one called Home Defense but many are out there. In addition, the ants will swarm on Terro but what is happening is they are taking the bait and ttrying to bring it back to the queen. They are croaking prior to getting it back there, however, and the queen must be eliminated. Use the granuals around the perimeter of your home (they act more slowly and allow the workers to bring the granuals back to the queen). Once the queen is gone (you may have multiple colonies so you need to re-treat after a couple of months) your problems will be gone.
2007-09-17 11:36:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Terro liquid traps (basically, borax and honey or sugar water) worked great for me but you have to keep putting out the traps till they're gone---may have more than one nest that's feeding. My sister had the same problem and exterminators were useless---went through 4 boxes of Terro before they disappeared. Spray vinegar on the trails works for a while but they find another way in....only way is to kill the nests, of which there could be a couple dozen in one area, with poison bait like Terro. If you caulk and spray, it only deters them for a while and is not really productive. Believe me, I've tried everything. Also, don't leave any food or crumbs or soda spills out at all.
2007-09-17 12:20:43 · answer #2 · answered by paul h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You first must identify the ant. Different types of ants have different types of control methods. Some, like Pharaoh ants, should not be introduced to pesticides as the colony will quickly split up and form multiple colonies increasing your problem. Some ants should be baited while others should be treated with a dust. Liquids are usually not to effective as ants walk above the poison, they do not drag their abdomen on the ground. The ants will however collect dust on their legs which will poison them when they groom their bodies. You're best bet is call a pest control company. Let them identify the ant and necessary treatment. Then you can choose to do it yourself or have them do it.
2007-09-17 13:05:37 · answer #3 · answered by monte54que 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to spray around your whole house even up under the eves, you could pay a company to do it, but you can also do it yourself.
I had an ant problem, they got so bad they were making nests in the Attic, and in the walls, so you should do something as soon as you can.
2007-09-17 11:41:24 · answer #4 · answered by Stars 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to trace back to the source where the ants come from. If there's a hole, plug it! Most likely, the ants come from outside of your house. You can use baits or spray.
2007-09-17 12:30:13 · answer #5 · answered by Phil 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try Grants Ant Traps. They work very well.
2007-09-17 11:46:54 · answer #6 · answered by Sandyspacecase 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call an exterminator for suggestions.
2007-09-17 11:38:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋