Our Top 4 Ant Baiting Tips
Although I have seen the most active ant populations in north Colorado just within and surrounding Greeley, annual infestations are not uncommon throughout certain Fort Collins, Loveland, and Longmont neighborhoods. Out in the Front Range, the specific location of the property within the city even tends to be a huge factor in the levels of ant activity that can be experienced by home and business owners. And of course, the activity can range from tolerable (occasional ants or mounds popping out of driveway cracks) to overwhelming (use your imagination).
Ants are social insects that collect food and share it with their colony. Thus, baiting can be one of the most effective ways to treat an active ant infestation- particularly when the nests are located deep underground or in crevices where they can be hard to reach with other sprays, granules or dusts.
Here are the top things we consider when treating ant activity with a bait product:
Being calculated with the bait placement. The bait should go directly along active ant trails or directly around the base of the ant mounds. Additionally, steps should be taken to locate all trails first and bait all trails at the same time.
Understanding protein vs carb based baits. This will make all the difference depending on the time of year. In the beginning of the active season - spring to early summer - egg production and larval growth occur in ant populations. So in these earlier stages of the warm season, ants are looking for protein based foods. Towards late summer and fall, their dietary needs will shift to carbohydrates. Ant bait products need to be applied accordingly.
Not applying any repellent products or leaving other food around the bait. This includes not using any repellent pesticides, sprays or dusts nearby the ant activity as they can discourage foraging activity. Competing food sources such as pet food, trash cans, etc, can also deter the ants from picking up the bait.
Once the bait has been taken, reapplying more of it immediately to the same trail or mound locations. Do not assume activity has been controlled or stop placing the bait until the ants in that location are gone. Do not only use your eyes to determine this - wait until the bait is no longer being picked up after a day or tw Patience is important- it can take time and multiple treatments / bait placings to fully eradicate some colonies.
