Help! How to Get Rid of Ants in Our Friend's House

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various personal experiences and suggestions for dealing with an ant infestation in a friend's house. Participants share different methods and products they have found effective in their own situations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions that their friend has tried sprays but only succeeded in moving the ants' track, emphasizing the cleanliness of the house.
  • Another participant suggests placing corn meal at entry points, noting that ants cannot digest it.
  • One user recommends using vinegar or bleach to spray the area where ants are seen to eliminate their trail.
  • Another participant mentions that white or black pepper can deter ants from crossing it.
  • One participant expresses a preference for Terro, stating it works effectively.
  • Another user agrees with the effectiveness of Terro and suggests using powdered Borax, explaining how it works by being taken back to the colony.
  • One participant highlights the importance of identifying the type of ant for appropriate treatment options, offering to help with information from a pest control expert.
  • Another user shares their positive experience with Combat Ant Gel, noting its quick effectiveness.
  • One participant mentions cayenne pepper as another potential deterrent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best methods to address the ant problem, with no clear consensus on a single effective solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and suggestions based on their own encounters with ant infestations, without implying any official guidance.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants or community members dealing with similar pest issues may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

KellyTheChef
Gold Member
Messages
7,533
I was sure that we had a thread about getting rid of ants, but I can't find it!

We have a good friend living in our old house till we can get it sold. (So it's not sitting empty) He is being invaded! He has tried sprays and such and all it seems to have done is move their track. He can not for the life of him figure out where the water source is or food source that they are after. He is a CLEAN and NEAT guy, so it's not that he has a bunch of crumbs or a dirty house. I can guarantee that his house is cleaner than mine!

I just emailed him to ask him what the ants look like, but in the mean time, does anyone have any suggestions?? (wasn't sure if different types of ants are treated differently to get rid of them!)

TIA!
 
Kelly, have him place corn meal where thet are coming in from, they cant digest it. Also I read to have him spray they area where they were with vinegar or bleach it gets rid of thier trail.
 
Also white or black pepper. They won't cross it.

...and your right there is a thread about a mile long on this from last year!...
 
I really like that Terro stuff.
 
Like Leslie said the Terro stuff works. Try powered Borax. When the ants eat it they take it back to their colony and it kills them all. Terro is a Borax agent. Try using the powered all around the house on the ground. It will not happen overnight, but it will happen around a week.
 
It's important to figure out which ants you are dealing with as each type has different treatment options. My dad owns a pest control company- find out the ant type and I'd be more than happy to ask him what you need to do! Email me at [email protected] with the info- good luck!
 
Combat Ant Gel works well for us. They totally swarm around it, take it back to the colony and they are gone within a day.
 
cayenne pepper works too
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some natural remedies to get rid of ants?

Natural remedies include using a mixture of vinegar and water, sprinkling diatomaceous earth around entry points, or using essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil. These substances can disrupt ant trails and deter them from entering the house.

How can I identify where the ants are coming from?

To identify the source of the ants, follow their trail to see where they are entering the house. Look for cracks, crevices, or gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation. Observing their behavior can help pinpoint their nest location.

What should I do if I find an ant nest in my friend's house?

If you find an ant nest, it's best to avoid disturbing it directly. Instead, use bait traps that the ants will carry back to the nest, or contact a pest control professional for safe removal. This ensures that the entire colony is addressed.

Are there any household items I can use to deter ants?

Yes, common household items like baking soda mixed with sugar can attract and kill ants. Additionally, using soap and water can disrupt their trails, while citrus peels or coffee grounds can act as natural repellents.

How can I prevent ants from coming back after removal?

To prevent ants from returning, seal any entry points, keep food stored in airtight containers, and maintain cleanliness by promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs. Regularly checking for and addressing potential entryways can also help keep ants at bay.

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