Ant Extermination?

[MrWatters]

Curious to whether anyone in West Seattle has used an exterminator to get rid of ants. I get ants in my house most years, some worse than others, some never. I’ve always just used hardware store remedies(Combat gel seems to work the best) and that generally does the trick.

I’ve heard on multiple occasions that West Seattle is basically a giant anthill as well so any ideas about “extermination” are ultimately fruitless. Having a hard time swallowing a $300 bill to kill ants that will just eventually work their way back…

Thanks!

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[birdrescuer]

Yes, we are on an ant hill. I prefer Terro liquid bait myself. If they are very bad I call Progressive 206 444 6250. Yohan is very nice and his work lasts a couple of years. If they come back quickly he comes and does it again for free or reduced $ depending on the time.

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[anonyme]

There are lots of things you can try before resorting to expensive (and highly toxic) pest control.

First, put diatomaceous earth around the foundation of your house. True Value sells a product called Orange Guard that can be sprayed inside or out, around windows, doors, or any point of entry.

If you have ants inside the house, try to track them and find out where they are coming in. I keep a tube of clear caulk handy, because in my old house, ants seem to find the strangest ways inside – like a tiny nail hole in the floor. Of course, never leave out food on countertops or elsewhere, keep everything clean, and place pet food dishes in ‘moats’ (a dish of water with the food dish sitting in the water). Clean floors with a citrus cleaner, or perhaps a Borax solution. It’s important to remove the pheromone trail that ants leave behind.

All of the above techniques can be pretty effective, but occasionally it’s not enough. Terro ant baits work pretty well, especially if you can locate the exterior point where the colony is located. Be generous with the bait, and use when activity is high – like in the spring and summer.

Ants are fascinating creatures and valuable to our ecosystem, but they do get a bit out of control around here sometimes.

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[HelperMonkey]

I had another infestation a couple weeks ago. Put the Terro liquid traps out on the counter and let them do their thing. I haven’t seen any more ants, but I get them every year so I am sure they’ll be back. The new formula for Terro really seems to work this year, though. Maybe try that before expensive exterminators? This is the one I used: http://www.terro.com/terro-liquid-ant-baits-2-pack and it was purchased at McLendon’s.

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[birdrescuer]

Progressive Pest control above
uses non-toxic, to people or the environment, insecticides.

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