ONLINE EXTRA: Ant Elimination Tips from Bayer Environmental Science

Editor's note: March PCT featured articles dedicated to ants and perimeter pest control. In addition to these articles, PCT's ant coverage includes the following online feature from Bayer Environmental Science's Gordon Morrison.

Of all insects that infest structures, ants are the most common, and they can become an overwhelming problem for any facility manager or homeowner. With proper training and modern pest management techniques,

However, ants are no match for today’s pest management professional.

The job of controlling structure-infesting ants is a five-step process. Follow each step carefully and you will be on your way to having satisfied customers and a growing business.

Step One – Inspection

The goal of the inspection is to capture specimens, and identify foraging trails, nest locations and conditions conducive to ant infestations. Survey your client to help save time and identify problem areas quickly and, remember, it’s common for more than one species to inhabit the same structure. Pay attention to “lines” where ants like to travel, such as expansion cracks in driveways and sidewalks, fence lines and under the edges of carpet.

Step Two – Identification

Different ant species may exhibit very different types of behavior. Some species prefer to nest in the ground, others inside structures or trees. Carpenter ants, for example, are more active at night, so it’s a lot easier to find foraging trails and nest sites in the evening. Different food preferences are also very common and can play an important role in your control strategy. Carefully identifying and understanding the biology of each species will help you find more nests and formulate better control plans. You will also be more credible in the eyes of your customer when you share specific details about “their” ants. It’s a good idea to carry a magnifying tool and key to help with identification and behavioral characteristics. Ask your local Bayer Representative for an “Ant Identification Guide.”Also, visit PCT Online to order the PCT Field Guide For The Management of Structure Infesting Ants and Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, Ninth Edition.

Step Three – Recommendation

Present the customer with an IPM program that effectively addresses the current problem and identifies conditions that may contribute to the infestations. Correcting these conditions will help prevent future infestations.

Step Four – Treatment

Baits, such as Maxforce® are the preferred control option for professionals when it comes to eliminating inaccessible ant colonies in and around structures. Accessible colonies should be treated directly with a fast acting, contact, residual insecticide such as Tempo® SC Ultra. Insecticide dusts are also very effective when treating nests directly. Combining insecticide treatments with non-chemical control procedures such as trimming vegetation away from the structure, removing alternative food sources and eliminating moisture problems normally provide the best long-term control.

Step Five – Evaluation

The keys to long-term customer satisfaction are to follow-up and assess the effectiveness of your service. Ask your customer if they are happy with your service and measure your success by their satisfaction.

The “Pesky” Pharaoh Ant

Though ant species vary according to the region of the country, several ant species can be found throughout the U.S. The Pharaoh Ant, for example, is found in states across the country, including Hawaii. Preferring humid areas, Pharaoh ants can be found outdoors in southern regions, whereas, in the cooler northern regions, they nest indoors, behind baseboards, switch plates, in linens, furniture and almost any place you can imagine. Nest size can range from very large to extremely small and scattered.

Baits vs. Sprays

Contact insecticides typically kill foraging workers and cause inaccessible colonies to split or bud, resulting in many more, small, scattered colonies. “Baiting is the most effective way to eliminate Pharaoh ants. Foraging workers (that can only drink liquids) carry bait back to the nest where it is fed to the larvae. The larvae digest the solid food then regurgitate a liquid that is shared through throphallaxis, killing the rest of the colony, including the queens, where they live and breed.

By following these steps, even challenging pests like the Pharoah Ant can be successfully eliminated.

With more than 25 years of experience in the Professional Pest Management industry, Gordon Morrison is the Maxforce Business Manager for Bayer Environmental Science. He has served as President of Pi Chi Omega and on the board of directors for the Professional Pest Management Alliance. Morrison can be reached at 201.307.3305 or Gordon.Morrison@bayercropscience.com.