Ants

Ants found indoors are likely coming in from the outside, along chemical trails that they produce to make it easier for them to find their way from their source of food to their point of entry in your home. By following the ant trail you can discover this entry point and seal it off. Soapy water will kill individual ants and erase the chemical trail. Another important way to prevent ants is to make sure food is properly stored and kitchen/eating areas are kept free of food debris. There are also commercially available sticky barriers that can be used to control ants.

If you are dealing with carpenter ants (wood destroying ants), control may be more difficult. The most important steps to dealing with carpenter ants (and to preventing infestation in the first place) are to reduce moisture within the structure of your home, and to keep a buffer between "habitat" and the outside of the structure. To reduce moisture, ensure that roofs and windows are in good repair and properly sealed, keep gutters clean, adequately ventilate damp areas such as crawlspaces and basements, and ensure proper drainage of rainwater in your yard. To keep a buffer from ant habitat, trim bushes and trees so that they are not leaning against the house walls, ensure that wood in the structure is not in contact with soil at any point around the foundation, and keep wood piles situated well away from the house.

If these steps do not resolve your ant issues, try the following websites for further information:

Beyond Pesticides (click on "Info Services - Alternatives Factsheets")
NCAP Alternatives Factsheets