The increasingly summery weather is lovely but can bring its own set of pest control problems.
If you are plagued by ants, there are several household items you can call into action to remove the scent trail the ants leave on the ground and other surfaces for the ‘scout ants’. They follow these trails to find food, so it is important to eradicate the smell as well as the ants themselves and their nest, or you will find yourself with unwanted repeat visitors.
From the kitchen, baking powder, cinnamon and chilli powders can hide the smell and deter ants when laid along a trails, and in any cracks in paving slabs etc. where you think the ants are going. You may want to be careful scattering chilli powder where pets or children might decide to taste it for themselves, though! A spray of vinegar along the route can also be very effective, although it can have a bleaching effect on some surfaces.
Chalk can provide a more artistic solution while hiding the scent from the ants – why not get your children doing some outdoor artwork with coloured chalks on your paths or patio after you have cleared the area of insects? It will keep the kids occupied and simultaneously tackle your ant problem.
As well as removing the trail you want to get rid of the nest itself. You can spray outdoor ant nests with approved insecticides following manufacturer’s instructions. There are environmentally-friendly options which are child and pet safe.
A very simple but effective method is boiling water. It can remove both the scent and the ants themselves – but of course it must be used with care for both your own safety and any delicate surfaces.
You can also purchase ant bait. This comes in secure pots or tablet for use inside or out. These combine food attractive to ants with poison that they will carry back to the colony. These are effective where you cannot reach or find the nest to spray it directly.
To guard against future invasions try to keep everything as clean as possible. Sweep up all crumbs and clean surfaces straight after use, and there will be less to attract the ants, plus they can’t survive without food. Don’t give them any!
Good luck – and of course if the problem becomes too severe YBC Services’ Pest Control team can always help. Just click on our Quotation page or contact us to ask for more information.
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