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Main => Everything Else => Topic started by: hypernova on April 21, 2010, 04:40:50 pm

Title: Ants in the pants!
Post by: hypernova on April 21, 2010, 04:40:50 pm
Not really in my pants, but...

Last year, we had a small issue with ants.  Nothing requiring an exterminator or anything.  They came in two spots.  They eventually gave up on one spot, as I guess we kept that part of the floor clean enough.

Now this year they've found two new spots to come in.  Still not a big issue, but a nuisance to look at nonetheless.  Plus, it could get worse if not nipped in the bud.  All spots seem to point to where the vinyl siding meets the concrete basement/foundation.  What I'd like to know is what is the best product to use to seal this up?  Just some regular foam spray can insulation?  (I was concerned with the aesthetics of doing this.)  Of course, it does run the entire perimeter of the house, so I'll need a bit of it...not sure how much.

Or, are there any other options to seal this section of the house up?

Yes, I could just keep the floor clean and be vigilant about killing any ants I see, but we work for a living, and the five year old is pretty damned messy.  I do what I can, but I'm realistic about this, and a spotless floor probably only lasts for ten minutes
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: massive88 on April 21, 2010, 04:45:37 pm
I thought being realistic would be to accept that you cant plug every Ant sized hole.  =D

Id suggest cleaning best you can, and attacking the outside perimeter of your house with some Ortho or similar.  Call in a professional if its really bad.
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: HaRuMaN on April 21, 2010, 04:46:42 pm
http://www.terro.com/products.php (http://www.terro.com/products.php)
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: sunnywala on April 21, 2010, 05:58:58 pm
http://www.terro.com/products.php (http://www.terro.com/products.php)
+1
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: hypernova on April 21, 2010, 07:04:06 pm
http://www.terro.com/products.php (http://www.terro.com/products.php)
+1

You guys have experience with the product?  Effective?

I thought being realistic would be to accept that you cant plug every Ant sized hole.  =D

But when you know where the hole is, you might as well plug it, yes?  In my case, it's more of a slim line.  Like I mentioned, I know the expanding foam insulation would do the job, but I question whether it'll look like crap after I'm done.
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: HaRuMaN on April 21, 2010, 07:12:21 pm
Terro stuff is VERY effective.

If you really want to seal, why not use a clear silicone caulk?
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: hypernova on April 21, 2010, 07:36:37 pm
Clear caulk may work.  Good to hear also on the Terro brand name.
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: javeryh on April 22, 2010, 11:16:59 am
I thought we were going to be talking about this:

(http://www.wholesaleboardgames.com/images/products/HA04786_1L.jpg)
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: hypernova on April 22, 2010, 05:43:48 pm
I thought we were going to be talking about this:

(http://www.wholesaleboardgames.com/images/products/HA04786_1L.jpg)

I've gotten a few suggestions.  So let's go for it!

I've never played it myself.
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: hypernova on June 28, 2010, 06:33:41 pm
http://www.terro.com/products.php (http://www.terro.com/products.php)
+1

Just thought I'd give an update on the ants situation.

Terro is by far one of the best products I've come across.  I stuck out those six traps where they go right before we left on vacation.

I came back, and haven't seen a single ant in the three weeks since we've been home.  And we've been seriously slacking on keeping the floor clean.  Compare that to before, I'd sweep the floor at least once a day, and it wouldn't make a difference, even with my homemade boric acid solution.  Their numbers just never seemed to go down.

Great suggestion on the Terro.  I'm a definite believer in their product.
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: DaOld Man on June 30, 2010, 11:06:19 am
They have a lot of different products. Which ant killer did you go with?
Also, anybody tried the mosquito repellent? I wonder if it works as good as the ant stuff?
Title: Re: Ants in the pants!
Post by: HaRuMaN on June 30, 2010, 11:26:48 am
I usually get these:

http://www.terro.com/products.php?product=liquid_ant_bait (http://www.terro.com/products.php?product=liquid_ant_bait)

Simple, no mess, ants eat it and carry it back to their nest.   :blowup: :duckhunt