You want to put them to work for you. Unlike other methods of ant control, such as kill-on-contact sprays or lawn-wide pesticide application, baits are specifically targeted at ants. The baits we like come in small containers, called bait stations, that have an entrance just the size of an ant. We sought a bait that was effective and easy to use. Baits can work as quickly as within a few days or, for a large colony, a couple of weeks. Our preference is clear bait stations, which make it easy to monitor ant activity and see if the bait is being used or if any ants are currently feeding.
Sweet ant baits cast the widest net for attracting indoor ants. Other control methods all have significant downsides. Kill-on-contact sprays do very little and can actually make your problem worse. Putting a pesticide perimeter around your house is another option and one that Ramsey said can be effective, but only if you are sure the ants are coming from outside.
Perimeter products are usually either baits or kill-on-contact dusts. We prefer using lower-impact, easy-to-use bait stations rather than spreading and maintaining a granule bait or kill-on-contact pesticide around your entire house.
In looking at ant-control products, we placed an emphasis on availability. We also thought about safety. Most ant baits are somewhat tamperproof, but there is always the possibility of a pet or child getting into things and either exposing their skin to the bait or, worse, ingesting it. We sought out a toxin that is strong enough to wipe out an ant colony but at the same time is something that you can place around your house with confidence.
From location to location and species to species, many variables affect ant behavior, so we did not run any large-scale tests for efficacy. For that we relied on experts and published scientific data. We also considered customer feedback on various retail sites, seeking patterns of effectiveness; drawing on the wide-ranging experiences of people across the country gave us a sense of the overall worth of a bait.
As we were writing this guide, we set up a number of baits in two different houses where ants were spotted, knowing that our results would simply constitute one additional data point to consider. What we saw, though, was a single product standing far above the others.
We also gathered information from a number of Wirecutter employees who have dealt with ants in the past. Fire ants are different. Fire ant bait typically comes as a granular corn grit mixed with soybean oil and a toxin. Usually you can spread a few tablespoons near an individual mound or spread the bait across an entire yard.
Come spring, if you have some that make it through that process—typically you have very few—you can treat those individually. Puckett also noted that spreading a fire ant bait across a lawn is very different from spreading a kill-on-contact pesticide. First, the amount you need for a fire ant bait to be successful is very small. Spreading a kill-on-contact pesticide across your lawn is another story.
Understanding how ant traps work will help you use them effectively. Image via Flickr by baracoder. Ant traps have a misleading name. From this moniker, you might expect these products to physically trap the ants in your home and keep them from roaming freely around the space. However, ants must exit ant traps for these products to do their job. Ant traps are small enclosures that house a type of bait. The ants are drawn to the bait because it poses as a food source.
If you have the right bait in your trap, the ants will pick it up and take it back to the colony. The key to ant control is eliminating the queens and nest. An ant colony can hold anywhere from hundreds to million of ants. If the ants show no interest in the bait, a different bait may be required. Placement — The bait should be placed in known or suspected ant activity areas, such as under kitchen cabinets, behind furniture, in the basement or attic or other possible points of entry from the outside.
Sunlight and moisture can cause baits to age. For maximum effectiveness, place baits in cool, dry, dark areas. Note: You can expect to see more ant activity in and around the ant traps themselves. Safety — The bait should be kept out of the reach of children and pets, and it should never be used on countertops where food is prepared.
Also, bait should be kept away from areas where it can contaminate drinking water, such as a sink, a pet's water bowl or near a drain. Quantity — The ant bait should be checked regularly to make sure it isn't depleted.
Also, placing bait in multiple locations may help ensure effectiveness. After ant feeding stops, wait three to four days before removing. Sanitation — Keep areas near ant baits free of food items. Otherwise, ants may be less tempted by your bait.
Check baited areas for feeding signs and replace baits that are no longer acceptable to the ants. Patience — As previously mentioned, most ant baits are slow-acting. Don't get discouraged if you see ants for a week or more after baiting. Do ant bait traps work for all types of ants? Are ant traps the best solution for removing ants? Let's recap the pros and cons. Pros Can help control or deter some species of ants Easy to use and place Commonly available Cons May not kill ants immediately Do not work on all species of ants May be harmful if consumed by pets or children Requires knowledge and skill to use effectively Large amount of bait may be required depending on ant species Ant Traps vs.
Other Ant Removal Options Because identifying the species of ants you are dealing with can be a challenge, and different methods are required to manage different ant species, it is recommended that you contact a pest management professional.
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Please note that this will be recognized as a separate newsletter subscription. Home Product FAQs. Q: What can you tell me about the active ingredient Borax to kill ants? Here is what you need to do: Get a sponge or cloth wet with hot water. Place the sponge on top of the spilled ant bait. Leave the sponge in place for about an hour. After an hour, wipe the area clean. To learn more about cleaning up spilled ant baits, read our guide. Q: I noticed the color of the liquid ant bait has turned brown — will it still work?
Q: Can I use the liquid ant bait outdoors? Q: Why are ants always invading my kitchen, bathroom and laundry areas? Q: What's the difference between liquid and gel ant baits?
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