Small black pavement ants, thatching ants and the large black carpenter ants seem to be everywhere this year and some of the mating ants with wings have already been out. They are flourishing in the usual sunny locations — cracks in driveways, under patio pavers, and of course in wood mulch (their number one built-in home). If you find that they put the “p” in pest, then try reducing their numbers with borax, diatomaceous earth or any number of those gimmicky retail ant solutions – by spraying on the anthill or in the cracks were they are sending up sand. To help deter them from coming inside, spray a little diatomaceous earth near doorways. Many ants are actually coming inside for water, so eliminate any leaks or drips and of course don’t leave pet food out after they have eaten. Now the only way to actually kill of a nest is to eliminate the queen (or queens as many ant nest will have multiple queens) which usually requires ant specific pesticides. Use caution when using pesticides, read all instructions for use and location.
Go Green Pest Control owner Randy Bilesky is a long-time South Delta resident. Trained and certified, Bilesky has first-hand knowledge of the pest problems that local homeowners and business owners encounter.
