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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!ihuxk!rs55611
From: rs55611@ihuxk.UUCP (Robert E. Schleicher)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Getting rid of ants
Message-ID: <1037@ihuxk.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 2-Dec-85 13:46:47 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxk.1037
Posted: Mon Dec  2 13:46:47 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 3-Dec-85 08:15:24 EST
References: <172@altos86.UUCP> <34200013@uiucuxc>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 46

> 
> My father is a commercial Exterminator, and he takes care of this problem 
> constantly.  I would suggest calling one because the "stuff" your going
> to buy in a hardware store (or whereever) just isn't going to work.
> 
> I would suggest the following advice.
> 
> Call a SMALL (I emphasize small) Pest Control company and explain your
> situation.  Tell them you have a small child and don't want any harmful
> chemicals around. (none of the chemicals my father uses is toxic except
> for the chemical he uses for termites, which is probed into the 
> foundation)      
> 	
> I have to warn you against a BIG Pest Control CORPORATION, because they
> often seem to be more careless with their work. (why shouldn't they,
> they're after the money, and can afford to lose the few customers that
> get bad service.  or I should say the few customers that REALIZE they are 
> getting bad service.
> 
> If you are stead-fast(sp??) against calling an exterminator, I would 
> have to say you're just going to have to wait it out.  Ants are one
> of those seasonal pests, and will usually go away after it gets a 
> little cooler (asuming it gets cool where you are.)
> 
> 
> 
> 	 Rob Cook						
> 							
If you want to try home remedies first, I've tried two things in the
past, which was effective when done together.

1.  Found the probable entry point of the ants, and used Raid (or Black
Flag, etc. ) Ant/Roach spray on that small area only.  In my case, this was
only on the outside edge of door sills, stoops, etc., as we have a child and
a cat, and I didn't want any toxic substances inside the house.

2.  For longer term, I sprinkled Diazanon crystals around the outside
foundation perimeter.  This shouldn't be a health hazard to pets, assuming
your pets don't eat or chew the grass, etc. right next to your foundation.
Again, use restraint in using Diazanon where it might be ingested by
animals, etc.

With winter approaching, step 2 isn't really necessary anyway.

Bob Schleicher
ihuxk!rs55611