The Summer Invasion Of Ants

You come home after a long day at work and just want to relax, but when you walk in the door, you see them. They have taken control of your house and no matter what you do, they refuse to leave.

Yes, we are talking about ants. And Government plant protection officer Claire Jessey said there is no scientific reason as to why. "The 'why' can't really be answered because it seems to be a seasonal problem. From an insect point of view, when the weather is warmer, they're more active. Populations can increase at this time of year. They may also be affected by the lack of rain where everything was very dry. They need moisture. They have scouts that they send out looking for food and moisture.

"That can take them into your house where they are looking for food and moisture but if they come across anything sweet to them, that's when they call out the troops."

Pete Jameson, of Dynamic Pest Control, explained what ants are looking for, saying: "Ants are primarily looking for two types of food. One would be protein which is why we see them over a dead cockroach. If you throw a chicken bone outside, you see the ants on it. The next day they won't be on the chicken bone but would be on candy as they're looking for sugar and sweets. That's why sometimes bait doesn't work."

He also said there is nothing that can be done to keep ants away for good. "You can spray vinegar, Windex, dish detergent. All of them will kill ants but they don't last. Unfortunately there's nothing that will keep ants away."

"You can't get rid of ants. You can keep them at bay."

Ms Jessey also explained a few ways to deal with the problem. "It's a case of people choosing what is best for them. You can put down insecticides. If they put down a bait the poison can be taken back to the nest by the workers and shared and it can make them ill or kill them. It doesn't mean more won't come back."

She also said people can buy boric acid from a pharmacy which can be mixed with peanut butter or bacon grease and put in a food container with a punctured lid to lure the ants.

"Then there's sort of non-scientific home remedies. People suggest baby powder, toothpaste. These can be tested to see if it works. The thing to do is make sure there is no food out and that the kitchen is kept scrupulously clean. A crumb or a drip will bring the ants out."

"Sweeping and wiping down the counters is the best way to keep the ants out. You would have to be very vigilant with pesticides to have no ants but you have to consider the risks associated with these pesticides in your home and how important that is in comparison to dealing with some ants."

Article provided by Dynamic Pest Control