How do I solve an ant problem in the house?
Answers:
This is easy. There is an ant killer brand called Terro that would work extremely well for you, regardless of the type of ant. It has the consistency of syrup which is perfect for what you need to do. You simply take the poison, apply some to a piece of aluminum foil, and place it near where the ants are at. They will consume it, and you will actually notice a substantial increase in the number of ants in that area for a few days. If you need to then this would be a good time to put down more bait.
There are other poisons out there that claim to be spread throughout the colony, but this one actually works. It took about 4 days but I have not had one ant in my kitchen since. You can find the ant bait at Lowes, Home Depot might also have it. I hope this helps =)
Other answers:
go around the foundation and look for ant trails, hills, or cracks. this is how they get in.
apply boric acid in powdered form.
stop them here at the outside and they will disappear from the inside.
go around the foundation and look for ant trails, hills, or cracks. this is how they get in.
apply boric acid in powdered form.
stop them here at the outside and they will disappear from the inside.
I know there are many "sprays", but what really works on all "creepy crawleys" is boric acid in a powder form. Of course, if you have children or pets, it can be hard to use. What happens is, they crawl through it, getting it all on their feet and antennas, then they bring it back to the "nest" where all their friends help lick it off, they actually all "blow up" (from the inside out). You have to put a line of it all around the perimiter of your home (baseboards, counter tops, etc.) Believe me as a landlord who has had tenants bring creatures w/ them, this can rid an entire 3 family house of bugs just by putting it in 1 apt.!
If you are willing to hire a professional pest coontrol co. then look for one that uses Termidor. It can only be applied twice a year and only to the exterior of the home. Great stuff! It works like a bait but the ants don't know that they are crawling over it . It is not a quick kill but highly effective when applied properly.
Now if you are looking to DIY, I would suggest NOT using any kind of spray in the home especially because you have children. There are baits available like Tarro but most baits available are for sweet feeding ants only. Ant colonies will split and half will sek out portein and the other half will seek out sweet food sources. If you want to use baits, you can make a very simple one at home. First mix 1 part Comet and 2 parts peanut butter ina small dish. In another dish mix 1 part Comet and 2 part jelly or honey. When using baits however, bear in mind that they are an attractant and the problem wil get worse before it gets better.
The ultimate solution would be to find the nest and destroy it there. If that is not possible then you need to get the problem knocked down in the home and then apply a reppelant barrier around the foundation of the home.
If you have ants coming out of the switchplates in your house you may also have satellite nests in the walls and my need to get those areas dusted. If you are DIY, try chinese chalk or diatomaceous earth. If you hire it out, the pest company should apply a dust insecticide there. Check with your local BBB to find reputable pest control companies in your area. You can often find ones that also offer organic treatments.
Believe it or not, Windex kills ants. After killing the visible ants in the house, spray a light mist around the area that they are coming in. You just have to remember to refresh the area after shampooing or washing. It really does work.
try using bleach as cleaning agent if possible it won't get rid of them all together but will lessen them greatly
also try i think either cinneman or cayenne pepper. cant remember which.