Note: You can also use boric acid as an ingredient in do-it-yourself (DIY) ant traps. Mix the powder with something sweet that will attract ants, such as maple syrup or corn syrup. Spread on a flat, disposable surface, like cardboard, and place in areas where you see ants.

Working days are defined as Monday-Friday 8am-7pm inclusive, excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Next Day & Named Day Delivery Perhaps the most despised of the ant species in the UK is the fire ant. Red fire ants are distinctive to look at, and known to sting.Despite their similar names, the oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is different from lemon eucalyptus essential oil. OLE comes from the gum eucalyptus tree, which is native to Australia. It contains a chemical called p- Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), which is an effective insect repellent. These work the same was as baited stations, but you’ll have more flexibility in terms of where to place the poison.

Finding the nest, and treating it directly, is the most effective way to cause problems caused by carpenter ants. PMD is classified as a biopesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is considered safe to use. Using ant bait, as well as directly targeting the nest (identifiable by a soil mound) is the best ant killer method to help control an infestation of fire ants. If all else fails, hiring an exterminator can help. Look for one who’s committed to using the least toxic products possible. Let them know if you have children, pets, or other concerns, such as a respiratory health condition. I used the Home Defence Ant Stop! Bait Station in my kitchen, positioning two bait stations at two different entry/exit points that I’d seen ants use.

In the majority of cases, colonies will consist of just a few dozen predatory ants, although they can form colonies in which millions of ants exist. But don’t panic – if you had a million-strong colony on your hands, you would know about it by now.

Naturally, the formula is harmless to pets, people, other wildlife and the environment, too. If you want to be rid of ants without the killing, Nemasys No Ant is the obvious solution. Although the colonies are small, there can be several queens in each colony that are capable of laying eggs so numbers can grow fast. This powdered insecticide is very easy to use, coming in a bottle with small holes in the top – simply shake it out like talcum powder. It can be dusted along doorframes and windowsills, and any other crevices through which ants are gaining access to your home.Ants are common invaders of homes across the United States and are mostly harmless. They can be hard to get rid of, but it is possible to repel and eradicate ants over time using the natural methods described above. Commercial products are also available to help kill or detract these pests. The carpenter ant is much larger other ants like the common garden species. They can be around 0.5 cm long. If threatened, they can bite. Peppermint is a natural insect repellent that may effectively deter ants and other bugs, such as mosquitoes.