How to use Ant Baits effectively?

Baits are effective against social insects such as ants because these ants collect food and share it with their colony. Because of this food-sharing ability, OK Ant Killer insecticide bait is proven to be effective for controlling ants, so the ant carrying it does not die before it returns to the colony. Furthermore, the hallucination effect will cause the ants to kill each other even though the insecticide bait poison don't get them!

By the slower method of destroying the colony, insecticide bait offers a more permanent ant solution than broadcast applications of spray pesticides, which basically repels pests from a structure.

For best results, follow the recommendations as below:

• Remove competiting food sources. Baits are less effective in areas with abundant food sources that serve as a rival food source like :
  - dumpsters, chicken houses, pet's feeding dishes, trash cans, etc.
  - Another type of bait competition comes from aphids and scale insects producing honey dew outside.
  - If you do notice mold like substance on your perimeter plants (treat the ornamentals with
    an appropiate labeled product like Liquid Seven.

• Use fresh bait, once the container is opened it needs to be used within 6 months to 1 year. It not, it becomes stale and unacceptable to the ants, not having a good acceptance.

• Use of insecitcidal sprays or dusts before or during baiting treatment is forbidden. Contact or a residual insecticide applied prior to treatment or during the baiting treatments, sets a hostile environment, suppressing foraging activity from the foraging ants.

• Baits are most effective when temperatures are above 70F. If daytime temperatures are in the 90's a nighttime application may be more effective. Placing a small amount of bait close to a mound will determine if ants are there, ready to forage for food within 30 minutes if conditions are favorable.

• Do not use baits on wet surfaces such as grass with dew or uncovered outdoor areas. This will make the bait less desirable to the ants --- remember the ants perceive the baits as a potential food source.

• Broadcasting baits is normally more effective in reducing fire ant populations than mound treatments.
  Broadcasting is more economical and less labor intensive than individual mound treatments in areas with more than 40 mounds per acre.

• Be very thorough when baiting. Try to locate possible entry points, looking for their trails, placing bait in those areas. Don't forget about baiting the outside as well.