How to Get Rid of an Ant Infestation Around Your Home or Business: A DIY Guide

Ant infestations can be a persistent problem in both homes and businesses. Understanding how to identify and effectively treat these pests is crucial in managing their presence. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process, from identifying ant species using an app called Google Lens to applying a non-repellent ant treatment. By following this guide, you can tackle ant infestations around your property with confidence.

Step 1: Identifying the Ant Species

The first step in managing an ant infestation is identifying the type of ant you are dealing with. Different ant species have different nesting habits and food preferences, which can impact your treatment approach.

1. Use Google Lens for Identification:
2. • Download Google Lens on your smartphone or use the Google app.
   • Take a clear photo of the ants you are dealing with.
   • Google Lens will analyze the image and suggest possible species matches.
3. Common Ant Species to Look For:
4. • Odorous House Ants: Small, brown or black, and give off a rotten coconut smell when crushed.
   • Carpenter Ants: Large, usually black or red, and often found near wood structures.
   • Fire Ants: Small, reddish ants known for their painful sting.
   • Pavement Ants: Small, brown or black ants commonly found nesting in cracks in pavement or foundations.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

Before starting the treatment, gather all necessary materials. This will ensure the process goes smoothly and effectively:

• Sprayer: A pump sprayer is ideal for even application around your home or business.
• Non-repellent Chemical: Choose a non-repellent insecticide like Temprid FX or Termidor SC. Non-repellent insecticides are crucial because ants will not detect them, allowing them to carry the chemical back to the nest.
• Sugar: Dissolved sugar water helps to attract ants to the treatment.
• Hot Water: For cleaning the sprayer after use to prevent sugar crystallization.
• Measuring Cup: To accurately mix the insecticide.

Step 3: Mix the Solution

1. Prepare the Sugar Water:
2. • Mix 1 cup of sugar into 1 gallon of water.
   • Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This mixture will attract ants to the treatment area.
3. Mix the Non-repellent Insecticide:
4. • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the chemical. For most non-repellents like Temprid FX or Termidor SC, you’ll need to mix 0.8 oz to 1.0 oz per gallon of water.
   • Add the dissolved sugar water to your sprayer.
   • Pour in the appropriate amount of non-repellent chemicals.
   • Seal the sprayer and shake gently to ensure the solution is thoroughly mixed.

Step 4: Application of the Treatment

1. Spray Around the Foundation:
2. • Apply a continuous band of the solution around the exterior foundation of your home or business. This perimeter treatment will intercept ants before they enter your structure.
   • Focus on areas where ants are frequently seen, such as doorways, windowsills, and cracks in the foundation.
3. Treat Ant Hills and Mounds:
4. • Directly spray ant hills, mounds, and any visible ant trails. Ensure the solution penetrates deep into the mounds to reach the colony.
5. Spray High Activity Areas:
6. • Apply the solution to areas of high ant activity such as near trash bins, flower beds, and any moist areas where ants are drawn.

Step 5: Post-Treatment Cleanup

1. Clean the Sprayer:
2. • After completing the treatment, empty any remaining solution from the sprayer.
   • Fill the sprayer with hot water and pump it through the nozzle to clean out any residual sugar and chemical mixture. This step is critical to prevent sugar crystallization, which can clog the sprayer.
3. Proper Disposal:
4. • Dispose of the rinsate according to local environmental regulations to prevent chemical contamination.

Additional Tips and Safety Precautions

• Read the Label: Always read and follow the insecticide label instructions carefully for safe and effective use.
• Protective Gear: Wear gloves, long sleeves, and protective eyewear to prevent contact with the chemical solution.
• Keep Pets and Children Away: Ensure pets and children are kept away from treated areas until the solution has dried completely.
• Monitor and Repeat: Regularly monitor treated areas for ant activity. You may need to reapply the treatment every 1-3 months during peak ant season.

Final Thoughts

DIY ant control can be highly effective when done correctly. Identifying the ant species and using a non-repellent insecticide mixed with sugar water will help you tackle the problem at its source. By maintaining a regular treatment schedule, you can keep ants at bay and protect your property from infestations.

DIY Ant Infestation TreatmentPhoto byD & D Pest Control Co.