HOW TO GET RID OF ANTS IN THE HOUSE

Beware: a solitary ant scurrying across your kitchen bench isn’t lost, it’s a scout for hundreds or thousands of its nest mates waiting — in lawns, walls, tree stumps, roofs, under floors and foundations — to follow its invisible scent tracks.

Just like gatecrashers, they won’t be in a hurry to leave the party (or, should we say, pantry). In fact, they'll make themselves comfy anywhere in your home where there’s suitable shelter or drinks and nibbles to satisfy their appetite (including spills). The best way to prevent or eradicate ant home invasions is to literally stop them in their tracks — that is, locate and destroy their nests.

“How to kill ants?” is the most common question asked of pest controllers. But you can take matters into your own with a wide range of DIY no-mess, clean and easy solutions to target all types of ants.

A highly effective method of ant control is placing ant baits along their trails and as close to the nest as possible. When worker ants take the bait, they deliver it back to their queen, killing her and therefore the colony. For maximum control, spread ant sand on ant trails (outside only) to reduce the chance of them slipping through the cracks in the first place. If you don’t know where the nest is, place baits where the ant trail enters your home, perhaps through a windowsill or crack in the wall. Never place baits where children or pets can reach them.

Be aware that entire colonies can relocate quickly when threatened. Even just a few survivors can rebuild numbers and make return visits. So always be prepared with ant baits, sand and sprays. If your ant infestation is particularly stubborn, it might call for a Mortein Control Bomb.

Once you are on top of your ant problem, stay that way using Mortein Kill& Protect Barrier Outdoor Surface Spray — with its six-month ‘Barrier Protection’ you can stop ants before they get in.

Alternatively, if you want to break out the big guns, the Mortein Kill& Protect Barrier Outdoor Surface Spray will make sure those pesky ants stay away for three months outside and six months inside. It’s a great way to have long-lasting protection.

No more ants in your pants — or pantries.