Tips For a Successful Ant Extermination
A thorough ant extermination program involves the use of a combination of two or three treatment methods with the nests’ location as the target area. Ant nests are commonly found in the ground at about 20 to 30 feet away from the house and occasionally in the small crawl space beneath the house. As the colony grows, worker ants build satellite nests inside the home.
An essential key to a successful ant extermination is the strategic placement of baits inside and outside the house, added with insecticidal spray or liquid that treats the problem directly and indirectly. You can start by locating nests in and out the house by following ant trails.
Interior Ant Baits
Ant baits come in food containing low-level poison to attract working ants. They bring the poisoned food with them back to the ant nest for the queen and the rest to feast upon. Baits are a great help in your ant extermination program as you have a high chance of killing the queen that serves as the backbone of the colony.
Baits can be placed inside cabinets, underneath sinks, counter tops and behind appliances. Some people prefer enclosed ant baits as they pose lesser risk of exposure to children or pets. Enclosed baits have tiny holes in the container that serve as entrance and exit ways for the ants.
Exterior Ant Baits
An ant extermination will not be as effective without exterior baits. They are heat and moisture resistant. There are two types of exterior baits: enclosed bait stations and granules. Bait granules are sprinkled on areas where you can see ants trailing. Granules are not recommended if there are children and pets play in that area. Outdoor ant baits are specially designed to work even through periods of rainfall. However, if rain goes on for several days, these baits may need to be replaced.
Ant Nests
Insecticidal granules are poured directly into the tunnel of an underground nest. It’s best applied on a non-windy day. Most types of granular insecticide need to be diluted in water for the formula to soak into the soil. This type of treatment requires a few weeks to complete
Protective Perimeter
Nests are usually located a few feet from the house so worker ants have to travel to and fro in search for food and water. One effective way to keep ants from entering your homes would be to spray insecticides a foot or two in width surrounding the house. Any ant attempting to cross the barrier will die. Make sure that there are no gaps for the ants to pass through.
Ant extermination can be succesful if you use follow the instructions carefully continue using the treatments until all ants are eradicated.
Ant Traps: How to Eliminate Ant Infestation
Ant infestation is one of the most frustrating pest problems that home owners can have. There are different treatment methods available that can eliminate this problem. To avoid future reinfestation, it is advised that you use a combination of two or three of these methods. The key to effective ant control is to exterminate the queen.
Ants are known to enter homes to find water and food and carry them all the way to their nest commonly built outside in the ground. However, as the colony grows larger, satellite nests are set up inside the house by worker ants. The insects living in satellite nests still depend on the queen located in the main nest though. The queen and the rest of the colony rely on worker ants to bring them food from outside. With this, a three-step plan is designed to put a stop on ant infestation.
1. Putting up barriers around the house
As mentioned, ant colonies are usually built in the ground outside homes. Occsionally, ant chambers can be found in a dark crawlspace located beneath the house. Nests found inside must be destroyed first before barriers are applied around the house. Residual ant sprays or granules work great as barriers. Apply a one or two foot strip on the ground surrounding the house. Leave no inch uncovered as ants can find even the smallest openings to use as an entrance. Do not forget to spray door and window frames.
2. Placing ant traps in and out the house
Perhaps one of the most effective ways in eliminating ant colonies to set up ant traps. These ant traps usually come in sweet food containing abamectin, boric acid, or hydramethylnon that attract ants. The worker ants will carry deadly poison with them back to the nest. The bait station must be continually supplied with food so that every ant in the colony will have a share of the poison. Over time, all of them will be fully eradicated, including the queen.
Place ant traps in counter tops, cabinets, sinks, appliances, and everywhere you see ants trailing. Ant traps can also be placed outside the house – near trees and around the house.
3. Destroying underground nests
The last important step is to destroy all ant nests you can find. Sprays, insecticidal liquids, and granules can penetrate underground tunnels and flood them. Liquids are perfect as a direct treatment for ant infestation. The formula is poured directly into the opening, drowning the queen and other members of the colony.
Ant Control: How to Put An End to Ant Infestation
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Leave a commentHow to Be the Ant Exterminator
Many people don’t hesitate to call the ant exterminator when they see that ants have invaded their home. However, there are many products out there and precautions you can take to get rid of these intruders.
Be the Ant Exterminator
Take out the trash regularly
Ants are in your home for one main reason; they have found something to eat. Emptying your trash regularly will help minimize the number of ants you attract. Also, try to clean the inside and outside of your trash can about 1 to 2 times per month. This will ensure that there isn’t any food residue on the trash can that will attract the ants.
Wipe Down the Kitchen Counters
Ants love dirty kitchens. It is important that you keep the kitchen counters wiped down with bleach and water. You can do this once a night to make sure you have cleared any crumbs from the counter. Crumbs or any other food residue on the counter will be sure to attract ants.
Mop the Floors
Regularly mop the kitchen floors with bleach. This will get rid of anything on the floor that may attract ants. Be sure to get the hard to reach spots!
Buy Food Containers
Put any left-over foods in tightly sealed food containers. You don’t want to feed your left overs to the ants!
Keep Rooms Clean
Do not leave any food or wrappers sitting in the rooms for a long period of time. Be sure that you regularly throw these away. Also, if you have any dishes lying around throw them in the dishwasher and wash them.
Do Dishes Regularly
Don’t leave any dirty dishes lying around the house or in the sink. Get in the habit of running the dishwasher regularly to avoid attracting ants.
Ant Poisons
If you have followed all of these steps and still find ants crawling around, it is time to invest in some ant poison. I recommend starting off with a good quality ant bait. Ant baits can also be referred to as ant poison.
For ants that you find indoors, you will likely need sweet based ant bait. These usually contain syrup that ants love along with a touch of poison.
For outdoor ants you will want to use a protein based granule that is usually spread with a device like a fertilizer spreader. This will help take care of the ants outside and also minimize the chance for the ants to find their way inside.
Follow these guidelines and there will be no need to call the ant exterminator!