ant problem

[ianB (Ian)]

I used to do Pest Control and PPI's ( pre purchase inspections for Termites )

There have been many good suggestions here but its very difficult to get rid of ants, usually they become a problem when the weather turns, you can also try putting down a little salt along the tracks they usually use, also try to find their entry point to your home and spray ( or whatever you use ) that area, sometimes they enter from the ground up the brickwork and into the ventilation / weep hole.
Often they may enter the home from the roof area due to over hanging branches etc coming into contact with your roof, if this is the case trim it back.

[eddiedunlop (Martin)]

For persistent ant infestations you are better off hiring a professional pest manager and using a modern pesticide such as fipronil (sold under a variety of trade names). Finding the source of an infestation can be difficult and call-backs may be necessary. Make sure these are included in the initial fee.

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

I think they all drowned in this deluge!!:wi ndy:
Graz

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

Originally Posted by ZeroID

Ant Rid is Sugar and Borax, the sugar is probably the more toxic component. You can buy Borax over the counter and mix your own 50/50 in some water. The sugar attracts them, the Borax kills them. They take it back to the nest and it seems to work by dehydrating them including the nest and larvae.
Any amount a child would have access to is so small the digestive system would not even notice it.

Cats won't go near it, sugar !! They are far more discerning.

I've made my own borax/sugar brew before for a particularly annoying batch of ants - victory was mine!

[jayeson (Jayeson)]

Originally Posted by eddiedunlop

For persistent ant infestations you are better off hiring a professional pest manager and using a modern pesticide such as fipronil (sold under a variety of trade names). Finding the source of an infestation can be difficult and call-backs may be necessary. Make sure these are included in the initial fee.

Martin,

Was your suggestion to tell the pest control person to use fipronil, or purchase fipronil and apply oneself? I ask, because I sure would like to know where non-professionals might purchase that stuff in Australia.

- Jayeson

[acropolite (Phil)]

We have the same persistant Ant problems here ATM, disruption of their trail holds them at bay for a few days but they just keep coming. Tonight they had found their way in to the microwave.

I always have a bedtime hot chocolate drink, why not cook the little suckers at the same time....

1 minute in the microwave at full power while my HC heats up should cook the buggers.

You wouldn't believe it, after a minute on high, the little mongrels were still strolling around inside as though nothing had happened, I suspect these little suckers could withstand a nuclear blast....

[eddiedunlop (Martin)]

Originally Posted by jayeson

Martin,

Was your suggestion to tell the pest control person to use fipronil, or purchase fipronil and apply oneself? I ask, because I sure would like to know where non-professionals might purchase that stuff in Australia.

- Jayeson

I meant the former. You could ask a supplier such as Garrards or David Gray but I think fipronil spray products are only available to professionals. Spray concentrates can be quite expensive and you would only use a fraction of a container to treat a house.