mtndriverOkay, we have done all the “normal” things, the non-toxic things, to try to deter them–cinnamon, cayenne, also spraying with a water/rubbing alcohol solution. Everything clean. But they seem to be desperate–in cupboards swarming over a skillet that might have a trace of oil left on it, crawling into a crock full of wooden spoons, etc, next to the stove, in the bathroom sink and bathtub, etc etc.
What I’d really like to know is if others are finding them more persistent than ever before, and if you have tips for discouraging them from coming in the house.
I have a cat, who also has some health problems, and I sprayed. They make sprays now (basically perimeter blocks) that are safe for pets. It dries and creates a barrier along the foundation areas and won’t wash off, so it’s supposed to be safe.
Terro gel traps are the best! Place them where ever you see the most ants. It will take a few days but it’ll work.
Set a faucet dripping outside, overflowing into a bucket, maybe 5 to 10 gallons per day. Most ants will go there rather than into your house. Cheaper than chemical warfare, works better too in most cases.
The ant invasion happens every year about this time and won’t let up until the first rain. We gave up on the non-toxic approach two years ago and pay the pest guy $100 to do his annual spray. We have seen almost no ants since but neighbors and family have them this year in the same numbers as always.
Terro Traps work best for me
I think they have become more persistent and much more numerous as well (they are everywhere). Last year was a nightmare for me – I literally had swaths up and down my bathroom walls including in the shower. And this year, for the first time in 10 years, we got them at the office too. I too gave up on the “natural” approaches – they work for occasional light invasions but not what we are seeing now. Terro seems to work for me. Vinegar as well, to wipe out the pheromone trails they leave for the others. And this year, I too did the annual perimeter spray and am keeping my fingers crossed that it holds up. Might do another spray this weekend for good measure.
Several years ago we were hit especially hard with an invasion of ants. The “Kumbaya” approach, including cinnamon, dryer sheets, peppermint oil, etc., didn’t work at all, so we hired Hydrex (now O’Connor Pest Control). That was the last time we ever had an ant in the house. O’Connor comes every couple of months and sprays outside the house, and ours seems to be the only house on the block without ants. An added benefit is that we also no longer have fleas since we began the ant-control regimen. While I like the idea of a “natural” approach to dealing with pests and vermin, the simple truth is that it just doesn’t work, whether you’re battling ants, termites or rodents.
Terro ant baits! OSH has them. Get the package of six if you have lots of ants. Read the instructions.
The active ingredient in Terro is Borax. Yeah it’s poison…if you’re an ant.
We call Lenz Pest Control. The perimeter of the outside base of the house is sprayed. Keep pets away until the spray dries, and then it is only a threat to the ants!