
Ants on your concrete patio can be a nuisance, but there are several ways to get rid of them. First, you need to identify the type of ant. If you see small black or reddish-brown ants, you likely have pavement ants. These ants are attracted to warmth and moisture and often enter homes through cracks in concrete slabs or foundations. To get rid of them, you can use commercial bait traps or create your own ant bait with borax or boric acid as poison. Alternatively, you can spray the foundation of your home and the surrounding area with insecticides or natural repellents like vinegar, cayenne pepper, or lemon juice. Sealing cracks and gaps in your home and reducing moisture can also help prevent ant infestations.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Ant type | Pavement ants |
Ant appearance | Small, reddish-brown to black ants, ⅛ of an inch long |
Ant behaviour | Ants follow each other and leave a trail; they are attracted to food sources containing protein and/or sugar |
Ant habitat | Outdoors: pavements, sidewalks, driveways, patios, lawns, gravel pathways; Indoors: kitchens, bathrooms, basements, wall or attic insulation, under carpets, under floors, etc. |
Ant colony | Pavement ant colonies have multiple queens and many workers |
Ant control methods | Insecticidal baits, poisoned bait, boric acid, vinegar, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, commercial bait traps, insecticidal sprays, sealants |
What You'll Learn
Use commercial bait traps
Commercial bait traps are an effective way to get rid of ants on your concrete patio. This method is best if you're already finding ants in your home, as the traps are protected from the elements.
To use commercial bait traps, simply place them around your home in areas where ants have been seen. The ants will be attracted to the bait and will take it back to their nest, which will eventually kill the entire colony. This is because the workers will feed on the bait and carry it back to the nest to feed the queen.
You can find commercial bait traps at most hardware stores or online. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label for the best results and take care when using any chemicals. It's also important to keep pets and children away from the traps.
When choosing a commercial bait trap, look for protein- or sugar-based bait stations pre-filled with pesticides. This is because pavement ants, which are commonly found on concrete patios, will eat practically anything, including meat, dairy products, bread, grease, fruit, nectar, and honeydew. So, a variety of bait options will help ensure the ants are attracted to the trap.
It's also recommended to use two types of bait at once – one that is sugar-based and one that contains protein. Slow-acting, non-repellent insecticides for use in bait traps include boric acid, fipronil, and hydramethylnon.
Some specific product recommendations include:
- Terro brand liquid bait stations containing boric acid
- Terro Liquid Ant Bait Stations
- Terro Outdoor Liquid Ant Baits
- Combat Ant Killing Gel
- Combat Max Ant Killing Bait Stations
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Create an ant bait mixed with borax as a poison
To create an ant bait with borax as a poison, you will need to mix borax with a starch or sugar that ants will be attracted to. Cornstarch, powdered sugar, or flour can be used, but it must be fine enough to mix well with the borax. You can also use honey or another sweet substance such as watermelon, kombucha, or fruit.
For a liquid bait, mix half a cup of sugar, 1.5 tablespoons of borax, and 1.5 cups of warm water. Place the mixture in a trap that the ants can easily access. Alternatively, you can use a ratio of three parts sugar to one part borax, adding enough water to create a thick paste. Then, add a quarter of a cup of syrup.
For a solid bait, use a ratio of one part borax to three parts powdered sugar. For example, mix a quarter of a cup of borax with three-quarters of a cup of powdered sugar. Be sure to stir the ingredients well. Place the mixture in a plastic container or lid if using it outdoors, as borax can harm plants.
When placing your bait, look for areas with high ant activity, such as their entryway into your home. You can also place the bait near their nest or along their trails. Keep in mind that borax should be kept away from children and pets, and use caution when handling it to avoid skin irritation.
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Use natural repellents like vinegar, cayenne pepper, or lemon
Ants on your patio can be a real nuisance, but there are natural repellents that can help keep them at bay. Here are some detailed tips on using vinegar, cayenne pepper, or lemon to deter ants from your concrete patio:
Vinegar
Bugs, including ants, dislike vinegar. To use vinegar as a repellent, simply mix it with water and spray it on your concrete patio, especially in areas where you've noticed ant activity. The vinegar scent will disrupt the ants' communication pheromones, making it difficult for them to navigate the area. While this method may not kill the ants instantly, it will certainly discourage them from hanging around.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is another natural repellent that can effectively deter ants. Mix cayenne pepper with water and spray the solution on your concrete patio, focusing on problem areas. Alternatively, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper around the perimeter of your patio to create a barrier that ants won't cross. Cayenne pepper interferes with ants' ability to communicate with their colony, making it an effective deterrent. Remember to reapply the cayenne pepper mixture or sprinkle fresh pepper regularly to maintain its effectiveness.
Lemon
Lemons contain citric acid, which is poisonous to ants. Mix lemon juice with water and spray the mixture on your concrete patio, targeting areas where ants are frequently spotted. You can also sprinkle lemon peels around the perimeter of your patio as a preventive measure. The citric acid in lemons will help keep ants away and protect your patio from infestations.
By using these natural repellents, you can discourage ants from making your concrete patio their home. It's important to consistently apply these methods and combine them with other preventive measures, such as sealing entry points and keeping food and trash areas clean and covered, to effectively manage ant infestations.
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Kill the queen
To get rid of ants on your concrete patio, you need to kill the queen. While insecticidal sprays may kill the visible worker ants, new ones will soon take their place. Instead, you need to use a slow-acting insecticide bait that workers will carry back to the nest to feed the queen.
There are several options for bait traps:
- Protein- or sugar-based bait stations pre-filled with pesticides are the most convenient.
- Terro Liquid Ant Bait Stations are available in packages of six stations and can be used along baseboards, underneath kitchen counters and appliances, and on windowsills.
- Combat Ant Killing Gel comes in a 27-ounce syringe applicator and can be placed directly into cracks in baseboards or paving stones.
- Ortho® Liquid Ant Bait station is another option to kill both the queen and the colony.
You can also make your own bait by mixing boric acid with starches or sugars that ants like, such as cornstarch, powdered sugar, or flour. Be sure to keep this away from pets and children.
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Seal up cracks and gaps where ants can enter
To prevent ants from entering your home, it is important to seal up any cracks and gaps that could provide an entry point. This includes windows, doors, and openings near hot water heaters and air conditioners. Spot-treat sealed cracks and crevices with an insect killer for added protection.
Caulking is an effective method for sealing these entry points. By filling in the gaps with caulk, you create a smooth surface that ants cannot navigate. Focus on areas where ants are observed entering your home, such as cracks in basement walls, concrete floors, or foundation cracks.
Additionally, you can use an insecticide to treat the sealed areas. Ortho® Home Defense® Insect Killer for Indoor and Perimeter2 with Comfort Wand® is specifically designed to create an invisible bug barrier that lasts up to 12 months on non-porous indoor surfaces. Be sure to follow the instructions and safety precautions on the label when using any insecticide products.
Another natural repellent you can use is vinegar. Ants dislike the scent of vinegar, which disrupts their communication pheromones. Spraying watered-down vinegar in problem areas will deter ants from entering your home. This method won't kill the ants but will discourage them from sticking around.
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Frequently asked questions
Pavement ants are small, reddish-brown to black ants commonly found near driveways, sidewalks, and in basements. They are about 1/8th of an inch long and have two nodes in front of their abdomen, fine grooves on their head and thorax, and a stinger on their last segment.
Pavement ants can cause significant damage to your property by burrowing into concrete and asphalt, weakening the structure of your pavement and even the foundation of buildings.
Bugs hate vinegar. Spraying watered-down vinegar in problem areas can deter ants as it messes with their communication pheromones. Cayenne pepper and lemon juice or peels can also be used as repellents as they disrupt an ant's ability to communicate with its colony.
There are various commercial bait traps available at hardware stores or online. Terro is a popular brand that offers liquid bait stations containing boric acid, which can be used along baseboards, under kitchen counters, and on windowsills.
One way to prevent an infestation is to create an ant-blocking barrier by treating the indoor and outdoor perimeters of your home with an insect killer. Seal any cracks and gaps where ants can enter, such as windows, doors, and openings near hot water heaters. You can also prevent pavement ants by reducing moisture around your home, such as by unclogging gutters and redirecting water from downspouts.