Carpenter Ant Bait

We get asked quite often on application guidelines for ant bait, where to place it and also how to apply the ant bait. The information listed below will give you recommendations on locations for using and applying ant bait inside and outside of a structure. Please do not hesitate to email or call us if you have any further questions or need product recommendations.

Ant baits come in a few different forms, liquids, solid matrices and granules. Liquid is an ideal formulation for many ants that are typically co existing with honey dew producing insects. The Argentine ant for example will consume more bait in the liquid form versus the solid. Particle sizes are also important when considering an ant bait granule, as some ants may not be able to pick up larger grit sizes.

What type of ant bait that is recommended will typically depend on what type of ants and also their food preference? Another important factor is sanitation so that the bait is not competing with other food sources; remember that the bait is trying to mimic the ant’s food source.

Location of carpenter ant baits should be in the areas where the ants are being seen indoors. Inside ant bait should be placed in window sills, electrical outlets, pipes and sinks, countertops, toilets, pipes and drains, sinks and any other source of moisture. On the outside, ant baits can be placed at corners of windowsills, at corners of the foundation, around entrances and exits, around base of trees, outside tree holes, and at incoming and outgoing plumbing and electrical lines.

Best way to determine what ant bait they will select is to give them all the options, proteins, carbohydrates and oils. Some of the ant baits have all options in the formulation (advance Dual Choice ant bait stations). Make sure the ants are feeding on the ant bait, and continue placement in areas where they are actively picking the ant bait up. The ants should be allowed several days to feed on baits before switching any of the baits.

Do not spray a repelling insecticide in areas where you are trying to bait for ants, most of the insecticides aside from Termidor and Premise 2, which are non repelling insecticides. You want the ants to pick up the ant bait, but spraying a chemical around the areas of the bait, something the ants will sense and avoid will definitely make the bait unattractive to the ants.

There is always the option of ant bait stations that make it easy to have bait in a sensitive area, where there is a chance of pets or small children gaining access to the ant bait. But aside from that the bait stations also make treating for certain ants easier because you simply place the ant baits in areas where you are finding the ants.

Tips for Use o f Ant Bait Stations:

• Place Maxforce ant bait stations by ant trails and where ants have been seen.

• Three bait stations should control an average size room, or approximately one bait station per 100 square feet.

• Do not spray chemicals or disturb trails between ant nests and bait stations.

• Periodically, replace Maxforce ant bait stations that are empty and relocate stations that show little or no ant activity

How to Apply Your Carpenter Ant Control Bait

To apply the gel remove the cap from the tip, it usually unscrews. Save this piece as you will want to replace it when you are finished using the ant control bait and this will keep the ant bait from drying out.

You will insert the tip onto the end that you have just removed the cap and place the plunger in the other side of the tube. Gently engage and apply pressure, you will see a small amount of the bait come out of the tube. Some ant baits have a Honey Dew formulation and will appear runnier than others.

Apply the ant bait in spots in cracks and crevices. For best results, make or place many spots of dabs of bait where you see the ants foraging and entering the structure.

Do not apply the ant bait in areas where you have recently applied a repellent insecticide or contaminated with a fogger the ants will have an aversion and not pick the bait up.

Do not apply the ant bait in areas that are routinely washed, such as countertops, as the ant gel will be watered down or wash away. Remove the dead ants before applying the ant bait gel.

Place the ant bait in locations as in cracks and crevices, corners and any out of the way place, under cabinets, refrigerators, behind kitchen appliances, along baseboards, under sinks, in pantry, around pipes and plumbing penetrations water heater, door and window frames and in the garage and the attics.

Of course apply in these areas that are being frequented by ants. Visually inspect for ants and place the bait where you are seeing the ants.