My little ants are ignoring the Terro

Judaline · ‎03-10-2010

Is it possible that they remember what happened last year? Because last year it worked. They ate, shared with their friends, and no more ants. This year, huh! They just walk on by. I don't get it.

dex · ‎03-09-2010

I sprinkle cayenne pepper and those ants leave asap.

Spurt · ‎03-20-2010

@Judaline

This is from a blog article (cant post the link since the page contains ads which is against Q's Forum rules..) Good Luck!

Sometimes ants appear to be ignoring baits. This will happen with all ant baits. Ants tend to find and feed on foods dependant on the needs of the nest or colony at the time. They will switch from requiring protein foods to carbohydrate (sugar) foods based on whether the colony is very active in foraging and nest building, when they need lots of sugar for energy, or brood production, when they need more protein. They rarely need much in the way of fats but they do need a certain amount at times.

If they're not eating one type of bait (carbohydrate or sugar), you should try the other.

Some people suggested trying Windex or vinegar...........

Animals are reliable, full of love, true in their affections, grateful. Difficult standards for people to live up to.”

Witchy Woman · ‎03-15-2010

@Judaline

I've only had those tiny ants one or two times, but they drive me insane!

The only way I finally rid the house of them (so far) is to install liquid bait stations OUTSIDE the house, in the yard, all around the house. I think I have 12 of them now and keep them filled all the time except winter.

I originally got them from Do My Own Pest Control, but the type I ordered has changed. I think they still have some type though. It is a container that holds the liquid and ants can crawl inside.

It made sense to me. To attract them far away from the house, kill them, and kill those back in the nest.

I'm a live and let live person -- I carry crickets and most spiders out of the house. But, when it comes to ants, I show little mercy!

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@Judaline. EVERY YEAR I have an ant problem in my kitchen, ugh. I was constantly cleaning up and using bleach water on the the countertops.

I used Terro ...like years past and it worked but the ants seemed to hang around longer than usual this year.

I purchased the stakes that go in the ground and placed them (2) under the kitchen window....I kid you not, the next day not one single ant and I have not had an ant on the countertop since. If you are able to try the outdoor stakes.

Marp · ‎03-09-2010

@Judaline wrote:
Is it possible that they remember what happened last year? Because last year it worked. They ate, shared with their friends, and no more ants. This year, huh! They just walk on by. I don't get it.

Not to state the obvious but if it worked they can't remember unless they were reincarnated. Lazarus ants?

The eyes through which you see others may be the same as how they see you.

Another new name Sue · ‎03-11-2010

They could be looking for protein and the Terro is a sweet bait. Put a dab of canned cat food or other protein out to see if they are interested. I have ants that have no interest in sweet baits, and it's almost impossible to get rid of them. I do spray their trails but they just go another way. They are velvety tree ants, nasty things which bite. I think our property is surrounded by ants, but they don't come in the house except once.

Good luck.

pakajaka · ‎05-01-2018

I had a terrible problem with ants the last couple of years. The maintence guy kept putting baits out but to no avail. I was so stressed. Then I read online to use peppermint. I got some peppermint oil and put some in a spray bottle (you don't need much) and added water. I sprayed everywhere and I would spray a few times a day. Each day I would notice less ants and in a few days they were gone and never came back. I don't know where they came from as I have lived here a long time and never had them before. They have not returned and that is a miracle as the weather has been very damp for a long time and after rain is when I would see them the most. I am so happy I am rid of them.

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

The one I have used, for a few years now, is the 'gel'. I have two of these on hand (given to us by our guy who sprays outside). One is 'Advion' brand and the other is 'Dupont' brand.

I've tried those little 'trap' things and they never made one iota of difference.

The gel, however, takes care of it within a day or two. You just put one little dot of the gel somewhere along the way where they enter or tend to go. The next morning it might be ant city, but you have to just make yourself leave it alone because they are all gone before that day ends.

Whatever it is, it's very desirable to them so they take it back and it kills off the whole colony. I"ve never had to do it more than one time, during the season, and I don't see another ant until the next year.

Judaline · ‎03-10-2010

@Marp wrote:
@Judaline wrote:
Is it possible that they remember what happened last year? Because last year it worked. They ate, shared with their friends, and no more ants. This year, huh! They just walk on by. I don't get it.
Not to state the obvious but if it worked they can't remember unless they were reincarnated. Lazarus ants?

Actually, I was just kidding about that first part-the part about they remember what I did to their families last year.