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The Best Way to Get Rid of Ants no comments
The ant queen must be killed in order to get rid of ants permanently. Since the queen is nearly always deep in the nest, unless you are treating the nest directly, the best solution is to use ant bait. Spraying haphazardly will almost never get rid of ants in fact, it can actually multiply the problem because some ant species will “bud” when stressed, which means that they will divide their colony.
Inside
Clean the area where ant are active to minimize them but more importantly, to make the bait their only food choice
Choose a gel or liquid ant bait for best results because the taste and texture of them is designed to be like ant’s natural food. Hard baits like that in stick on bait stations is often ignored by ants. Baits sold in toothpaste like tubes such as those sold by Maxforce and Combat work best and they are easy to use.
Apply small amounts of the bait in many areas as opposed to one or two large clumps. Place it where the ants have been seen eating, in their trails if trailing, where they have been seen walking and where they have been observed entering the area.
Be patient because ant bait works by allowing the worker ants to return to the nest before dying, but have faith, bait is second only to treating the ant nest directly for getting rid of ants.
Outside
Remove things that make your property attractive to ants. Start by eliminating clutter because it gives ants a place to hide. Pull back mulch from the foundation, or better, put a 1-2 foot layer of pea gravel between the mulch and your home. Keep the yard mowed and remove grass and leaf clutter. Eliminate water by repairing any plumbing leaks and filling low areas that collect rain water. Cut back trees, bushes, and other foliage so that it doesn’t contact your house.
Use a liquid pesticide (traditional or organic) as a drench poured directly on nests if they are found. This is the single best method to get rid of ants. If you cannot locate the nest, use gel bait placed around common entries such as windows, doors, plumbing and electrical areas and also completely around your home spaced 5-10 feet apart. Don’t just sling it around. Think like an ant. Place it along edges and in grooves where ants like to travel.
Once you are certain that the ants are no longer inside, spray a protective pesticide (traditional or organic) barrier completely around your home to prevent them from reentering the house.
A pest control technician turned freelance writer, Steve manages his website http://www.pricelesspestcontrol.com that provides expert advice on successfully doing your own pest control.