Now that we've got inside ants licked--figuratively--how about outside? Today I had reason to move some decorative stones at the back of the house and uncovered a massive underground ant nest which must be eight or nine feet long and who knows how deep. I saw literally thousands of ants swarm up as I uncovered all their entrances,and lots of ants-to-be, which they hustled out of sight. When I applied some insect killer, the ones it hit died, but I only got the surface guys. How do I get rid of the whole crew?
Note that the problem is not with ants coming inside. (That's what my future holds, perhaps, but now, the problem is massive numbers of ants outdoors, nesting underground against the foundation and basement of my house.)
The area next to the house is packed earth, clay-based and difficult digging, with no grass until about six to ten inches away from the foundation, which may mean I can use means which would harm grass.
My first thoughts were diatomaceous earth or boiling water, but it would take a lot of either one. I've read that boric acid and products containing borax and carbohydrates work over a period of several days, killing the queen, but what happens to her loyal subjects?
Yes, ants hate mint, cinnamon, citrus oil, lavender, and all kinds of other stuff, but I'd need my own spice island to make that affordable.
What's the best plan of attack?
Maryn, glad they're just the little guys and not the giant carpenter ants
Note that the problem is not with ants coming inside. (That's what my future holds, perhaps, but now, the problem is massive numbers of ants outdoors, nesting underground against the foundation and basement of my house.)
The area next to the house is packed earth, clay-based and difficult digging, with no grass until about six to ten inches away from the foundation, which may mean I can use means which would harm grass.
My first thoughts were diatomaceous earth or boiling water, but it would take a lot of either one. I've read that boric acid and products containing borax and carbohydrates work over a period of several days, killing the queen, but what happens to her loyal subjects?
Yes, ants hate mint, cinnamon, citrus oil, lavender, and all kinds of other stuff, but I'd need my own spice island to make that affordable.
What's the best plan of attack?
Maryn, glad they're just the little guys and not the giant carpenter ants
