Invasion of the ants!

[Geek]

The warm winter and record breaking wet weather along the mountains here has cause an unprecidented explosion in ant population in Rosedale/Agassiz

I've found several non-toxic recipes (we have cats) for ridding them, but I can't get them to take the bait.

According to my research, most ants like sugary stuff, syrup or sugar water and to a lesser extent, food fats. Well, these guys don't like either

They are little red fellas 5-7mm long and aren't really attacking anything, not the woodwork or food or us, they are just *there*. Their mandibles aren't "pinching" or sharp like most other ant species I've seen out here, they look rather large and clumsy, like for carrying (Google is kind of useless for BC ant species). They also run from light.

Oddly enough, the only thing I've seen them gnaw on is a power cord

(Gah! Typical animal in the house.... chewing on the power cords!)

Any advice would be appreciated.

[xplod1236]

Let them chew the power cord. Once they get shocked, they will know it's time to stop.

[kelticwizard]

Usually, the way to get rid of ants is to spray insecticide along the very bottom of the outside of the house, right at the meeting point of the dirt and the house.

I suppose you can keep your cats inside for a day or two, if you are worried about toxicity. Most insecticides smell bad, though, I doubt your cats will be interested once you let them out.

[Cal Weldon]

Wide double sided tape and a spot of honey in the centre.

Or here's an idea, an ant trap

[anatech]

Hey Geek,
Can't you train the cats to eat them?

-Chris

[Cal Weldon]

I'm watching one play with an ant right now. Takes forever to kill it. Just keeps pushing it around. I don't think he knows there are others if that one stops moving.

[anatech]

Dab something the cat likes to eat on the ant's back. Like that leftover hot dog ........

Yum, yum.

-Chris

[Cal Weldon]

OK I dabbed the ant like you said but...

I guess I dabbed too hard. The ant's not moving anymore, cat got bored and left.

[anatech]

Hi Cal,
Try another ant.

Conversely, cover the cat in something the ants like and the cat will then be interested in the ants. Hmmmm, then of course you have to attempt to wash the cat. Take a video.

-Chris

[Geek]

Originally posted by Cal Weldon
Wide double sided tape and a spot of honey in the centre.

Or here's an idea, an ant trap

They are ignoring the traps

But the tape idea is a good one. I'll try it.

I'm watching one play with an ant right now. Takes forever to kill it. Just keeps pushing it around. I don't think he knows there are others if that one stops moving.

Same result here