Because they have wings, after they lose them you can see where the wings were attached. Queens have a larger thorax (the middle section of the body) than the other ants.
Don’t kill the ants if you don’t know where the nest is. Follow the ant trail to the nest.
Be careful when rooting out the queen, so you don’t get bitten. Never use this method with fire ants.
Don’t do this to fire ants. If you accidentally get any on you, you can get injured.
Place large drops of the baits in the middle of a trail of ants, including any walls, railings, or sidewalks. Place the liquid and solid mixtures along the trail as you near the nest. If there are multiple trails, do it on each trail. Don’t place borax in the garden or on soil. If you have ants in your garden, place the solution on something to protect the soil and your plants. You can buy borax at the supermarket or home improvement stores. Borax is toxic. Make sure to prevent pets and children from getting into this solution.
This may take a while to work, but may be more effective and long-lasting.
Protect your eyes and face from chemical sprays. Be careful outside if there is wind or a breeze. Make sure to use caution with any pesticides in your home. Make sure to protect pets and children from getting into the ant killer.
Try using a dry cleanser, like Comet, in the kitchen. Shake out a light layer. This is especially effective where the kitchen counter meets the wall, or under the sink. The ants you see will walk through the cleanser and take it back to the nest. Leave the cleanser layer out overnight or up to 2 days. Use cardboard to push the powder into the sink, then use a wet rag to clean the counters and sink. If ants return, reapply the cleanser. Don’t use things like cleansers or bleach mixtures in areas where your pets or children may come across it. [7] X Research source If you want to try something stronger, try pouring a cleanser or bleach mixture. However, be careful to not bleach colors out of surfaces, especially if using bleach. Also, you will need to use diluted bleach and ventilate the room.
The poison in ant bait is carried back to the nest and is then ingested by ants. If an ant dies and other ants eat it, they will ingest the poison that killed the ant. The ants will spread the poisonous food to the colony, including the queen. However, keep in mind that this can take up to three weeks. When you’re doing this, don’t spray or treat any ant trails that you see. Only 15% of the ants in the colony are foragers, and they will be quickly replaced. Instead, let them carry the ant bait back to the colony. [8] X Research source Joshua Bloom. Pest Control Specialist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020.
Take your time to do a thorough cleaning. Look under and behind furniture. Take special care with the kitchen, dining room, and children’s bedrooms. Look under the fridge, in drawers, and in pantries for any open or spilled sugary foods or beverages that may attract ants.
Remember, if you’re using ant baits, do not wipe away the trail, since you need the ants to be able to find their way back to the colony to spread the poison. [11] X Research source Joshua Bloom. Pest Control Specialist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020.
Placing garlic in cabinets and pantries may keep ants away. You can also place natural plants in your home that repel ants. Mint and lavender will help ants avoid your home. Using plants helps reduce any chemical dangers and puts nice plants in your house.
