To deal with ants entering your house, you can use several types of pesticides and methods to prevent them from coming through the walls:
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Bait Stations: These contain a slow-acting poison mixed with an attractant. Ants take the bait back to their colony, which eventually kills the colony. Place these near entry points and where you see ants.
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Sprays: Insecticide sprays can kill ants on contact and create a barrier to prevent them from entering. Look for sprays containing ingredients like deltamethrin, bifenthrin, or permethrin.
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Granules: These can be spread around the perimeter of your home. The ants carry the granules back to their nest, affecting the colony.
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Diatomaceous Earth: A natural, non-toxic option. It’s a powder that can be spread around entry points. It kills ants by dehydrating them.
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Ant Dust: Products like those containing permethrin or deltamethrin can be dusted into cracks and crevices where ants enter.
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Gel Baits: These can be applied in cracks and crevices where ants are seen. Ants consume the gel and take it back to the colony.
Preventive Measures:
- Seal Entry Points: Use caulk to seal cracks and crevices in walls, around windows, and doors.
- Remove Food Sources: Keep your house clean, store food in airtight containers, and promptly clean up spills.
- Trim Vegetation: Keep plants and trees trimmed away from the house, as ants often use these as bridges to enter homes.
- Use Ant Barriers: Products like Tanglefoot can be applied around the base of the house or on trees and plants near the house.
Safety Tips:
- Always follow the instructions on the pesticide label.
- Keep pesticides away from children and pets.
- Consider non-toxic options if you have pets or small children.
If the infestation is severe, it might be best to contact a professional pest control service.
