How to Get Rid of Ants by the Foundation

Ants can invade homes at any point of entry.

Ants can invade any type of structure in their unending search for food and shelter. Though there are thousands of different ant species, the most common types are the carpenter ant, the pharaoh ant, the Argentine and that odorous house ant. Fire ants may be a problem outdoors in open areas and by the foundation of homes. To eliminate the ant problem completely, you must not only kill the foraging ants, but the queen that reproduces in the hidden nest.

Things You'll Need

• Concrete patch
• Caulk
• Insecticide spray
• Barrier insecticide
• Baits

Instructions

1. Observe the ants and follow the trail back to their nests. Nests may be outside in woodpiles, rotted logs or in trunks of trees. You can also find nests in damaged wood of home structures

2. Use a contact insecticide, such as carbaryl, to kill large numbers of ants on contact

3. Seal all cracks in the foundation walls with concrete patch. For large cracks, consult with a foundation contractor.

4. Caulk or repair areas of wood near the foundation walls where ants can make their nests.

5. Place poison ant baits along the foundation where you have seen ant trails. These may contain chemical insecticides or natural products such as boric acid that act as a stomach poison. The ants will carry the attractive baits back to the hidden nests where other ants will feed on it and also be killed

6. Spray a pyrethroid barrier insecticide such as beta-cyfluthrin, deltamethrin or bifenthrin around the foundation of your home to prevent ants from entering, according to Colorado State University entomologist W.S. Cranshaw.

7. Reapply baits and spray barriers as directed on the package label. Heavy rains can decrease the effectiveness of some ant control products.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove all yard waste and other debris to keep ants from making nests in hidden areas around your property

• Eliminating ants completely from the foundation area may require treating nearby lawn areas as well.

• Carpenter ants, which are large and black, can damage to wood structures in home as they dig their burrows while looking for moist areas to build nests, according to University of Nebraska entomologist Barb Ogg. These may be found along foundation areas as they travel to and from nesting areas in wood. Insecticides should be injected into these burrows where they can be carried back to the nest.

• Boric acid baits must be kept dry to remain effective.

• Place poison baits where children and pets will not get at them. They contain sweet substances that may be ingested accidentally.

• Always use gloves and a protective mask when applying insecticides to your home and foundation areas.

References

• Colorado State University: Ants in the Home; W.S.Cranshaw
• University of Nebraska: Carpenter Ant Management; Barb Ogg
• University of California Integrated Pest Management Program: Ants