Eliminating Ant Colonies

Q: In both our residential and commercial work we frequently encounter ant colonies in the ground around the exterior of buildings. Most of our customers want quick control and baits are not always the fastest. What method do you recommend for quick colony elimination? (S.S.)

A: There are two methods that I have used for years that quickly destroy ant colonies in the soil. The first method involves drenching the colony with a liquid insecticide formulation. I have had excellent results using both emulsifiable concentrates and wettable powders or microencapsulated formulations. The basics are the same for all three. Providing the label of the insecticide you select allows such application, you will deliver approximately one gallon of insecticidal solution in water directly to the ant colony.

Now this will require some skill, as you cannot simply dump the solution on the colony itself. In most cases, ants will have tunnels extending out from the colony which can be utilized as foraging tunnels or escape routes. It is best to begin drenching the colony at least 12 inches out from the center of the colony structure. You will slowly pour the liquid onto the soil surface so that it drenches into the soil. Do this in a circular motion so that the entire colony is surrounded during the drenching process. It is important that the soil take the solution and that the solution not run off to non-target areas. I stress again that you should use approximately one gallon. The label will dictate the amount of material. The reason for using this volume is so that it drenches into the soil the entire depth of the colony.

If you don’t do this, you may not kill the entire colony. Another variation on this technique is to use a solution prepared in your power spray tank. Many pest control professionals will use a subterranean termite injection rod to probe down into the colony and release approximately a gallon of solution beginning deep in the colony and continuing to apply the material as the rod is removed from the colony. This is an excellent technique for destroying imported fire ant colonies as well as other species.

Another excellent method for killing ant colonies is to apply insecticidal granules to the surface of the colony and adjacent soil so that you are treating an area approximately 12 inches beyond the obvious edges of the colony. Many insecticidal granules are appropriate for this application. I have had the best success with granules that permit watering the treated area following application of the insecticidal granule. Again, following label directions, you will probably be applying about one gallon of water, equally distributed onto the treated area. This will aid in the release of insecticide from the granule and in penetration of the insecticidal material throughout the colony.

Both of the above methods will give you very rapid destruction of ant colonies. You may have to improvise on your application technique based on the location of the colony and the character of the soil or turf the ants are nesting in. In all cases, remember to follow label instructions.

TERMITE PREVENTION

Q: When is it appropriate to recommend a preventive subterranean termite treatment? It is my understanding that the State Pest Control Board does not want us to recommend termite treatment unless there is an active infestation. On the other hand, my experience tells me there are plenty of houses where there is no sign of active subterranean termites but all the other conditions are present, including the inability to properly inspect the entire structure. Under those circumstances, I think it is appropriate to recommend preventive treatment or at least let the customer consider it. What’s your opinion? (B.A.)

A: First, let me tell you that this is a very tricky area in structural pest control, particularly given the current concerns within the termite control industry. Basically, however, I agree with you. There have been many times that I have inspected a property and not found active subterranean termites. However, I have found damage, conducive conditions, inaccessible areas making inspection impossible and no evidence of previous treatment. Under those conditions, particularly in areas where subterranean termites are common, I don’t believe that recommending to your customer that they consider a preventive treatment is inappropriate.

Obviously, there are no visible signs of subterranean termite activity and you may want to tell your customer that there are a number of alternatives available to them. First, there is “watchful waiting.” This could be defined as simply keeping an eye on the structure on a regular basis so that should obvious termite activity take place, you could respond in a relatively short period of time. Another approach might be to urge your customer to correct those conducive conditions and structurally modify the building so that it could be more completely inspected. You may even possibly recommend their consideration of a baiting program to prevent infestation. Finally, offering them a preventive treatment as another option is completely appropriate. I should, however, caution you that when offering a subterranean termite treatment whether preventive or for existing infestation, you should always initially point out to the customer in very clear language the need to correct conducive conditions in conjunction with treatment. This is particularly true for above-ground moisture conditions that may support secondary or satellite colonies in the structure after treatment has been completed. I would recommend that these recommendations be made in writing and be included as part of the treatment contract.

Some states have adopted regulations that only permit the recommendation of termite treatment when live, active infestations are found in the primary structure. The reason for this is clear. Too often in the past, unscrupulous operators would recommend treatment when it clearly wasn’t necessary. They would use phrases like, “Your neighbor has termites” or “We found termites in the back fence.” Anything said to induce the customer to buy preventive treatment based on inaccurate or clearly false information is clearly not appropriate.

Obviously, preventive treatment makes sense in many cases. The entire “pre-treat” industry is prevention-based. I recommend you check with your state regulators and get a clear reading from them on what they consider appropriate when recommending preventive treatment. Further, when preventive treatments are recommended to customers in the absence of active infestations, clearly state on your proposal the basis for your recommendation, and list what corrective structural steps your customer needs to take.

Jeffrey Tucker is president of Entomology Associates, Houston. Questions can be sent to Q&A c/o Entomology Associates, P.O. Box 70375, Houston TX 77270.