Insecticide for White Footed Ants

White-footed ants attack any food that contains sugar.

White-footed ants arrived in the Florida during the latter part of the 20th century. They quickly became major household pests. Even though they do not sting or bite, they can cause havoc when they invade homes in large numbers.

Ant Infestation

White-footed ants quickly create large colonies in homes, offices and yards. They feed on any type of food that contains sugar, even soda droplets. They are notoriously difficult to get rid of and colonies constantly forage by sending out workers to find food.

Insecticide Types

Most insecticides have no effect on white-footed ants according to researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Professional pest control companies can treat infested areas with liquid insecticides. Homeowners who prefer a do-it-yourself approach can buy ant bait with boric acid or fipronil. Boric acid is a dessicant that absorbs the moisture in the ant's body. Fipronil is a slow insecticide that attacks the central nervous system of ants. Bait can be purchased as gels, stations or spray.

Considerations

Treating vegetation around your house with spray insecticide that contains fipronil can help prevent the ants from entering your home. Make sure to follow the directions on insecticide labels when applying it indoors or outdoors.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: White-footed Ants
• University of Florida Entomology and Nematology Department: White-footed Ant
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Pesticide Toxicity Profile: Boric Acid