Ant control

Information about ant colonies, natural ant control, and ant bait recipes

These two ants were industriously dragging a caterpillar across a patio stone. Their captive was at least five times larger than the ants.

Ants thrive in huge mounds of sand and rotting fallen trees on our land. Ant control is the trick... how to keep them out of the house!

The fact is, ants thrive in most environments. They live on almost every landmass on our big blue marble. The only places where they don't live are Antarctica and some very remote islands.

Most ant species live in the ground. Some, like the carpenter ant, also live in wood. Some ants live inside plants. They are fascinating creatures - they work cooperatively, communicate with each other, and can solve complex problems. But because they can damage crops and invade buildings, they can also be quite a nuisance.

Not to mention that ants attack and defend themselves by biting or stinging, Last summer I stepped on an ant hill by mistake while out picking blueberries. I soon found out when they swarmed on my foot and ankle and bit me!

The positive perspective

Ants do perform some roles that are beneficial to humans, including pest control and aeration of the soil. The use of weaver ants in citrus cultivation in southern China is considered one of the oldest known applications of biological control.

In some parts of the world, large ants, especially army ants, can be used as surgical sutures. The wound is closed and ants are applied along it.

Apparently the ant seizes the edges of the wound in its mandibles and locks in place. The body is then cut off and the head and mandibles remain in place to keep the wound closed.

But if you have ants and they've become a problem, what can you do?

Natural ant control

Boric acid (Borax) is often used for ant control. Mix 1 cup water, 2 cups sugar, and 2 tablespoons boric acid. Put it out by the ant's trail. You can also try peanut butter mixed with Borax powder. Different ants have different tastes.

One person said they mixed equal parts of Borax and icing sugar and sprinkled it on ant hills and it killed the entire colony.

Clean any areas where you find ants with a solution of vinegar and water (equal parts). If you know where they are coming in you can squeeze lemon juice in the entrance, and leave the lemon peel out.

Nests of ants may be destroyed by following the ants' trails back to the nest and then pouring boiling water into it to kill the queen. This works in about 60% of the mounds and requires about 4 gallons (14 litres) per mound.

Other things you can do:

• Plug up ant entry locations with caulk or petroleum jelly
• Remove infested potted plants
• Ants will come in to your cabin looking for food so put away all food after meals. Clean up food sources such as sugary spills, pet food, or garbage
• Spread salt under doors, near windows and walls where ants come in
• Caulk cracks and crevices around foundations
• Talc in various forms is said to deter ants. Tailor's chalk and baby powder usually contain talc and can be used to create a barrier for ants
• Cornmeal can be used as a weapon against ants. Ants eat it and after consuming water, the cornmeal swells inside their digestive organs, causing them to die.
• Ants are also said to dislike vinegar, peppermint oil, cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne pepper, whole cloves, and bay leaves so you can try these as well
• Keep food in ant-proof containers
• Create a dry, vegetation-free border, such as gravel or stones, around the house foundations to discourage nest building - note: wood chip mulches and landscape plants provide a good nesting environment
• Manage insects such as aphids, whiteflies, and psyllids on plants near the house - these honeydew producers often support large colonies of ants
• Trim branches of trees and shrubs that touch the building to keep ants from gaining access to your house
• Remove trees next to your house that consistently host ants

Ant traps and baits

Depending on the level of the infestation and the type of ants, you may have to resort to more aggressive ant control measures.

Remember, the big issue with ant control is that simply trapping or killing the ants that you see will not solve the problem. You need to kill the queen. One way to achieve this is by having the ants take poison back to the nest where the poison is eaten by other colony members, including the queen. As a result, the entire colony can be destroyed. Most baits sold for home use come pre-packaged with the insecticide and food in a plastic or metal container so that other animals and children can't get at.

Protect children and pets

We've had good success with a a commercial liquid bait, but the disadvantage with it is it is openly accessible so it's not suitable if you have toddlers or animals that might get into it. The next time we get ants, I'm going to try the recipe for borax and sugar water given above. It's still not something I'll leave out when small children or animals are around but it's made from inexpensive ingredients I have around the house.

Finding nests can be a challenge

Ants will live in spaces behind walls, cabinets, and appliances; behind window and door frames; and beneath floors and concrete slabs. Because these areas are hidden, it's difficult to determine the actual location of the ants' nest. When the location of the nest cannot be determined or is inaccessible, insecticide baits (homemade or commercial) often are a good option.

Ant control can further be achieved by spraying an insecticide around the outside perimeter of your building to keep outside ants from entering.

Consider applying a band of insecticide 2-to-6-feet along the ground next to the foundation, and a 2-to-3-foot band up the foundation wall. Also treat ant trails and points of entry into the home such as around doors and where utility pipes and wires enter from outside.