Don't Let Ants Spoil Your Summer

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Don't Let Ants Spoil Your Summer Don't Let Ants Spoil Your Summer by Ralph King

Summer is here and so are the bugs. While we are planning picnics and firing up the backyard barbecue, ants are moving inside to forage on our countertops and invade our refrigerators.

We all expect to see ants in our backyard; it's a sign of summer. But when they start to move indoors, they become a nuisance. Ants can often be found around sinks and countertops looking for food and water. And once they find it, you can be sure they'll be back, bringing others with them. There typically are thousands more with their queen hidden somewhere nearby.

Here are some tips for keeping ants out of your home:

* Ants travel along odor trails between a food source and their nest. Follow the trail of ants and fill any cracks or gaps at the point of entry.

* Scrub with dish soap to remove the scent along the trail.

* Place ant baits next to the trail. Ants will pick up the bait and bring it back to their nest. Not all species of ants respond to baits, so this method may not always work.

* If the problem is severe, don't try to take it on alone; call a professional pest control company.

'To really control an ant population you have to find and treat the nest,' said Dr. Bob Cartwright, technical representative of Syngenta, a manufacturer of professional pest control products. 'This can be difficult work, and is best done by a licensed professional.'

Treating around your home will reduce the likelihood of ants returning. Syngenta created a microencapsulated insecticide called Demand CS with iCAP technology. 'The microcapsules in Demand CS protect against sunlight and rain and provide longer control of these nuisance pests,' Cartwright said.

Because colonies sometimes move into an area abandoned by another colony, maintain a regularly scheduled pest control service to help keep ant problems at bay.

Don't let ants ruin your summer. Treat the problem early and enjoy the season. For more information and to find a pest management professional, visit www.securechoice.us. -NU

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