Kill Ants with Proprietary Ant Killer

Written by Doris Donnerman (last updated July 26, 2008)

When you go to your revolving server, or Lazy Susan, to retrieve spices while cooking, do you notice ants scurrying about? Or when you go to your pantry to heft the sugar bag onto the counter to make cookies, do ants cling to the bag, falling into the batter? If so, then you've got an ant problem.

Ants are a nuisance pest in homes, finding comfort in the food crumbs and water provided them from within the walls of your house. How do you get rid of them? If you've got a family reunion at your house coming up, and you need to get rid of them in a hurry, you might try proprietary ant killer. Proprietary ant killers are patented products that you may find in your local home improvement or hardware store. Follow these guidelines to choose the best proprietary ant killers, for your particular circumstance:

  • If you've only a few ants, then they are coming in from outside. Check your yard and around your home for ant hills. If you discover many ant hills, then use outdoor ant spikes. Place them next to either side of your doors entrances, along the foundation of your house, in your garden and flower beds, next to your patio and porch, and anywhere you see ants. The ant spikes will stop the ants in the yard, making it less likely they will come into your house.
  • To get rid of the ants already inside of your house, use ant baits in your attic, basement, bathrooms, dining room, pantry, kitchen, or anywhere you see ants. The bait attracts the ants, they carry the food back to the queen, and it destroys the entire colony. Usually sold in child-resistant packages, ant baits are inexpensive and easy to use.
  • Use a residual action ant spray if ants come in through upstairs windows. The spray lasts up to four weeks, and should be used on ant trails and around doors and windows. The spray kills on contact and leaves a residue that continues to kill up to four weeks.

As with any chemical, proprietary ant killer contains harmful ingredients that may be lethal if ingested. Keep all pesticides and insecticides away from children and pets. Always follow the manufacturer's directions when using proprietary ant killer.

Author Bio

Doris Donnerman

Doris is a jack of all trades, writing on a variety of topics. Her articles have helped enlighten and entertain thousands over the years. ...

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