We have just been told by our pest control company that we have a white footed ant infestation in our home. The ants are only seen in one area of the kitchen and some in the garage. Apparently, these types of ants are very difficult to control. The pest control company wants to agressively fumigate the attic, walls, etc. It will take several visits and cost $500. Does anyone know of a less drastic/ less toxic/ less expensive approach? We are concerned about the health and environmental effects, as well. We would appreciate any feedback.
First of all, let me tell you how grateful I am for all your help! You guys are an awesome bunch, finding the time in your busy lives to help total strangers like that!
Here is an update on our ant situation: I called three other pest control companies (one was recommended by our neighbors; the other two I knew thru work, etc.) I did not use Yellow Pages because there were hundreds of listings there- how do you pick??
To my amazement, all three companies had different approaches and drastically different prices. I ended up using the company that services a large portion of my development; the same technician comes every time; my neighbors have been using him for 6 years and are very satisfied with the service. My ant problem is well under control- in fact, I have not seen any ants at all for about a week now. The best part? It only cost me $45 so far!
Needless to say, I fired my old pest service. They were originally going to charge us $550 to get rid of these ants, but "gave us a break on the price since we were good customers".
They also used scare tactics and tried to instill a sense of panic about the situation.
The truth is- had they been doing their job, I wouldn't have had this problem in the first place! The main lesson I learned: ALL PEST CONTROL COMPANIES ARE NOT THE SAME. They use different products and different methods. My old company was using cheap chemicals(the owner himself admitted it), and they sent out a different technician almost every time.
As always, do your research, ask for a second/third/fourth opinion until it makes sense to you, and don't fall for scare tactics!
Look for "Terro" in the supermarket. It will be with all of the other insecticides; it is in an orange box. It is a clear liquid that you put on a piece of cardboard (we cut squares from the box) and it works very, very well. It is a Florida staple.
You should find this link to be very useful.
http://www.kill-fireants.com/ants.htm
K. F.
All Computer Works, LLC
###-###-####
I found this when I searched on the internet:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in098
http://www.kmantpro.com/whitefootedants.htm
It is very interesting that they do NOT recommend spraying insecticide. If you don't feel you can do it yourself I think I would contact another pest control company for a second opinion.
Hi M.,
I'm K. In Central Florida (Deltona), here's a website you can go to. I use the PreSpot and Solumel as a combination to get rid of ants, and it works great. Let me know if you want more information. In the meantime, here's an important site on environmentally safer products.
White footed ants are the hardest ant to get rid of. It is worth paying the money to do so. I worked at Truly Nolen for five years. They can reproduce by only one ant. Their is no easy fix for them. You need to trim any bushes or trees around your house . Don't even let a leaf touch your home from a bush. They ants will make trail into your home and the problem will get worse. Beleive me you will be fighting these ants left and right if you don't treat them aggessively. Also alot of times they nest underneath mulch. You might want to check that out.
M.-My Mom and Dad tried something new last year when they went back up North for the summer. Terro ant killer is the name. It is liquid and you put it on small pieces of paper and put it throughout your house (it has hints on the label). It worked wonderfully! Good luck!
Yea try taro. 3-5 bucks. The only thing is you need to use it for prolonged periods. But it totally worked for us. Very cheap and I got them right out of my bathroom in aless than a week of ususing it correctly. Make sure you hide were you use it were the ants walk in trails and out of reach of kids.
I had the same problems a few months ago, except I also found out (when the pest control came by to look at the ants) I have German Cockroaches. The two most horrible bugs to get rid of. I tried EVERY easy solution (like the ones mentioned) and NOTHING worked. Finally I paid to have it sprayed, and the ants were gone within a few weeks. I am still fighting with the roaches though. In fact, they have gotten the best of me, I am moving altogether, and that is a big reason why.
Good Luck to you!!!
What area do you live in? My neighbor has pest control business, he is pretty reasonable and I do know that spraying the attic is a must...he is in the Coconut creek area...if that works I could give you his # and you could get a price..he is an owner operator company so he is able to give good prices!
borax, my mom told me this works. She was having problems.
