Elimination of Ants
First we'll look at organic indoor ant traps.
It's not always easy to find the source of the problem, i.e. the ant nest. Following the ant trail back to the nest is difficult especially if you live in a high rise building. Ant traps are effective because ants take the tainted food you leave for them back to the nest. When the queen ingests the poison, she dies and so does the colony.
Follow the Recipes below, but first determine the type of ant that is invading your property.
Different Types of Ants
Most ants are attracted to sugar, but many species of ants, like those tiny black ants, are grease and protein lovers.
Your Local University Extension offices can tell you what type of ant is invading your property and whether they are attracted to sugar, grease/protein or both. University Extension Offices offer answers to many questions about plants, insects, animals and other natural resources in your area.
Organic Ant Control Recipe for Grease and Protein Loving Ants
My straw bait trap in action. I have tiny black ants who love peanut butter. Enjoy it while you can girls! (yes, worker ants are female).
This Recipe is For Grease and Protein Loving Ants such as Big-headed ants, Little black ants and Pavement ants. It comes from the “Field Guide for the Management of Structure Infesting Ants”.
Mix in a bowl –
* 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) peanut butter
* 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) honey
* 3/4 teaspoon boric acid
– Cut up drinking straws into 3-4″ pieces and stuff them with a prepared mixture of peanut butter, honey and Borax. Buy a box of “20 Mule Team Borax” (a laundry additive) at the supermarket.
Note – The Borax is not a chemical, but it can be toxic to humans and pets if large amounts are ingested, otherwise it is generally considered to be no more toxic than table salt.
– Fill each straw with the bait mixture. I use a wooden skewer stick to fill the straws. Put a small amount of the mixture over the straw opening and wipe the stick across the opening several times. The mixture will slowly seep into the straw. (don't use those skinny straws or it will take forever).
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
For ants that prefer sweets such as Pharaoh ants, Odorous house ants and Small honey ants:
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of honey and 1/2 teaspoon of boric acid (Borax). Place the mixture into a very small bottle (like a travel size bottle) with the lid off. Like the protein-loving ants, these ants will carry the mixture back to the colony and give it to the queen. She will love it,.. but not for long.
Place the bait traps under the sink, behind the toilet or any place ants invade. You can also place them outside doors and windows. Do not place the traps on counter tops or anywhere that you prepare food. Baits are the most effective way to manage an insect invasion, but allow at least 2 weeks for it to work. It can take longer depending upon the species of ant and the size of the colony invading your home. Do not use any other sprays or insect deterrents during your baiting period. If you kill the ants before they take the bait back to the nest, you'll defeat your purpose.
One advantage to the traps is that you can easily learn which holes, cracks and crevices are entry points for ants. Once the activity stops, seal those cracks with spackle paste.
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Having done a building and pest inspection on my home is something that I do every month. Just last month though, I had a surprise of finding a some termites chewing away the flooring that I recently installed on my shed. Fortunately for me, the damaged done on the flooring was a minor damage and something that could be fixed easily.
I’ve had ants in my bathroom for months now, and I can’t figure out how they’re getting inside. They’re so small, there could be tiny gaps in my molding I can’t even see. I think I’m going to look at pest control options as well as try and patch any potential routes inside.
During the summer I had to deal with ants in my house everyday. Even after cleaning my house spotless I would find at least one ant crawling into my kitchen. I would do anything so I wouldn’t have to deal with that this year. What are some precautions that I can take to avoid them?
Find every small hole in every wall and baseboard and fill it with spackle.
I did not know that there were over 22,000 species of ants in the world. It seems like there are a lot more insects than people which may be a problem depending on the situation. I had a neighbor who worked in pest control for a number of years. I think he may have had certain tips for dealing with pests. I might have to contact him to see what he can tell me.
Hi Hillary, I’ve had a glitch due to an upgrade but the guys at Livefyre solved it immediately so everything should be fine now.
Cheers! 🙂
Hello Andrea! Thanks for the visit and a very happy Easter to you too!
Yes, I have been reading your wonderful articles but was unable to leave a Livefyre comment! I’ve decided to close out my account. I must see if I can now comment on you site as a guest.
Cheers
Hillary
Ants can be a pain, but they are also extremely interesting insects pretty intelligent. I’ve alwasy been amazed by those ants who cultivate mushrooms to eat feeding them with chopped leaves. And their overall organization similar to that of the Anciant Roman Army.
I saw you are not using anymore Livefyre, did you have problems with it?
Happy Easter Hillary!