Do-It-Yourself Ant Treatment vs. the Professional Ant Treatment

Do It Yourself Ant Treatment – Home Remedies:

If you search the web, ask an old friend or a family member, most likely you will be provided with a variety of remedies for ridding one’s home of ants.  Ants are supposed to be “outside” where they belong but when they come inside…….. ♪ ♫ ♪ “The ants go marching one by one, hurrah! hurrah!” ♪ ♫ ♪ …….well, it doesn’t feel like “hurrah.”  Especially when ants get into the pantry and in the food! You can treat for ants yourself by using home remedies or over-the-counter pesticides but make sure you read the labels – and practice safety.  Also, know that most home remedies and even “do-it-yourself” pesticides from the local market are temporary, and may even cause damage to the home or the environment. Although borax has been touted as the number one “home remedy” for ants, be careful because misuse could result in serious health risks and environmental damage.  In Canada, any products for sale containing borates with a label indicating it can be used to control pests, must be registered as a pesticide.  Children and pets can get seriously ill if they get borate products on their hands or paws and then lick them. Manufacturers who use borax in their pesticides have been formulating and refining the mixing process for years. They know how to use just the right amount of attractant, with the right quantity of borate. Most borate based pest control solutions must be ingested to be effective. The attractant (like carbohydrates – sugar) must be appealing to specific species and at different times.   The foods ants are attracted to can differ by both species and the needs of the larva that they are attending; at certain times, ants may prefer protein –  treating with home remedies made from borax may not work. An example of the importance in obtaining the right mixture using borate is with the carpenter ant.  Products containing more than 0.5% borax are not at all appealing to carpenter ants, and less than 0.5% has no effect whatsoever.

Other Home Remedies and Spot Treatments for Ants

Most all home treatments for eradicating ants are temporary “Band-Aids.”  A few popular remedies include the following: covering up entrance points with baby powder; drawing a line around entry points with chalk; sprinkling flour in the back of pantry shelves; squirting lemon juice on the windowsills; and of course, drowning ants once you have them — with Windex. Remember, however, for every one ant you see, there may be thousands or more somewhere nearby.  And, if you crush them, many ant species omit an unpleasant odor that causes their ant sisters to react.  They may trace the scent and come inside to carry off the dead carcass of their sisters.

Professionally Done Ant Treatment

The most effective, permanent solution is to find and treat the nest; queen ants must be killed to properly eliminate a colony.  For this, a professional pest control agent would be able to identify the species and the best way to manage an infestation either through regular pest control methods or the use of organic products.  A pest management technician is an expert at finding where the ants are coming from and where they may be living in or around the home. If you do decide to go the “do-it-yourself” route for ridding your home of ants, make sure you – READ THE LABELS!

Did You know this About Ants?

Ants spread diseases such as salmonella and staph? They can spread the diseases while foraging for food and water and then track it back into your home! Got Ants? Call today at 1-800-986-1006 for help with an ant infestation. You’re also welcome to complete the form below and a caring Hearts Pest Management representative will contact you shortly.
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