How to Get Rid of Ants

Pavement Ants

Pavement ants are the type of ants that most often invade your home. These are small and brown, and make the little mounds you see in the yard. These need a sugar-based trap which is baited with syrup and boric acid which can be purchased in many places.

Pharaoh and Sugar Ants

Pharaoh ants are commonly called sugar ants and the sweet traps will work for them as well as for pavement ants. These ants are very persistent, and will eat many things including sugar and protein. They also carry bacteria, so you need to get rid of them by placing traps near their activity or along their trails.

Argentine Ants

To get rid of Argentine ants you need to use a broadcast baiting of insecticide granules outside and sweet baits inside. Broadcast baiting means spreading the granules around the yard with a scoop or a spreader.

These ants are nasty little bugs found in the Southern states, which kill off native species of ants, upsetting the ecological balance. They also form symbiotic relationships with aphids. They will transport aphids in exchange for their sweet secretions called honerdew. They will even join forces with other ant colonies.

Fire Ants

You can control fire ants by broadcast baiting with Hydramethylnon granules. This will need to be repeated every two to four weeks.

Fire ants are found in the South, where they were imported, and are a major problem. They are aggressive, especially the red fire ant, and their sting can cause severe pain and even anaphylactic shock.

Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ants are often confused with termites, but they are darker colored than termites and can be seen swarming out in the open. Termites avoid light and rarely leave their colony. To get rid of carpenter ants involves listening for their rustling sound behind the wall, drilling a hole into the nest, and treating it with spray and/or powder insecticide.

Controlling Ants

Now that you know how to get rid of ants, you may want some information on controlling them.

Inside Your Home

Use ant-proof food containers.
Keep the kitchen and dining area very clean.
Wipe up spills quickly, vacuum daily, and do the dishes promptly.
Cleaning drains with baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water will help keep ants away.
Keep the garbage can clean and rinse food containers before throwing them away.
Fix leaks promptly, because ants like moisture.

Outside Your Home

Get rid of extra debris, especially leaves and branches.
Clutter, like wood and rock piles, should not be close to your home.
Get rid of mulch
Control your aphid and scale population, because they produce honeydew, which ants like.
Trim trees and bushes so they are not in contact with your home.
Seal entrances to your home with caulk and weather stripping.

Natural Methods of Control

Many people do not want to use pesticides unless absolutely necessary, so here are a few tips on natural control of ants inside your home. Things that are can be placed in their trails or directly on them include:

Baby powder
Cinnamon
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper
Bay leaves
White chalk
Mint
Cloves

Liquids which can be sprayed include any kind of vinegar, straight or mixed 50/50 with water. A mix of Ivory soap and Windex can also be used. Another mixture calls for 1/3 Basic H (made by Shaklee) and 2/3 water. Do not spray the Basic H solution on painted surfaces as it will affect the paint and make it bubble.