How to get rid of ants

Professionals use:  Sugar  / carbohydrate based ant gel baits such as Optigard, and Advion.

Professionals avoid: Baits in little plastic stations and all boric acid based baits like Terro, they make it look like you are getting rid of the ants but they mask the problem.

Professionals may also use: A granular bait like Maxforce Complete Granular Bait - Because ants eat sugars and proteins and will switch between the two.

Where we use these baits:: We put out lots of small bait placements under your appliances, behind or under your baseboards, and sinks, behind framing around doorways, etc..  - in places kids and pets can't reach.

Professionals always do a complete job:  Don't forget to spray the entire outside of your home, and don't forget to make your home less attractive to ants.

Professionals understand: almost anything can appear to get rid of ants - as ants usually only wander around the inside for a few weeks, usually only until the the food they really want is available outside. You could spit sunflower seeds on the floor and it would appear to work after a few weeks. Out of sight is out of mind for most people - but just because you can't see them, doesn't mean they are gone.

Baits Work for:  Odorous House Ants, also known as Sugar Ants or piss ants, and Pharaoh Ants.

Does not work on most species of ants. Regardless of manufacturers claims.

Where to buy: The best sprays to use against ants can be purchased online or from do it yourself specialty pest control stores.

They are not available in hardware stores and their labels stipulate that they are for licensed pest control professionals only. However, since they are not restricted use, you can buy them. However, they are expensive.

If you were a licensed professional: The best ant spray recommendations would involve using a couple of different materials. Buying two or three separate materials is usually out of the budget for most homeowners.

Two very effective sprays that can be used inside and out are: Arilon, and Premise 2 Termiticide (licensed for ant control). Both available online.

These materials are non-repellent and do not chase ants around from one place to another, the ants wont even know you sprayed. They will keep crossing the materials and dying.

What about 'over the counter' sprays? 'Over the counter' 'perimeter defense' sprays available at home and garden stores are made by the same companies that make professional grade materials. They tell us that their most advanced materials and formulations  - the ones they sell us - may only last a month or two - tops. Which is why most professional companies reapply at least every 90 days. The much less effective 'over the counter' materials they sell to you are advertised to last 'a season'. Hmmmmm.

Professionals use 1 to 3 gallons to spray the exterior of your home and would want to spray it every 30 to 90 days with a much more advanced formulation that does not fully absorb into concrete, wood, and other application surfaces when applied. If you are going to do it yourself - you need to use at least as much material and do it as least as often.

Basics: You must read all pesticide labels and follow them completely, including mixing instructions, use instructions, and you must wear personal safety equipment such as gloves, long sleeve clothing, and full length pants, etc...,

To treat some types of ants, in specific areas they nest, you may need specialised application equipment.