

Human: Nothing I seem to do works for getting rid of these tiny black ants in my apartment. Can you offer some specific ways for me to try getting rid of them? I have tried some oil sprays and keeping my place as clean as I can.

Assistant: I would certainly recommend taking preventative steps to eliminate crawling spaces and access points to eliminate entry contamination from the outside. This means sealing pry-points in the floor and walls, as well as recycling and re-sealing any holes or gaps in windows, doors, and other exterior enclosures. There are also a few general tips that are highly effective in preventing ant invasions: clean all surfaces of food residues and trash regularly; eliminate any standing liquids where ants can get access; keep sinks, counters and counterspans clean and dry; and avoid damp conditions, such as leaving water, wet dishes or pet foods sitting out over time. In addition, regular sanitation with organic ant-baiting products is highly effective in eradicating existing colonies.  

I hope this information is helpful. If you are still having troubles with ants persisting in your home, I would strongly recommend contacting professionals for further assistance. Ants are persistent pests that can be difficult to eliminate with amateur home treatment methods. For extensive ant-proofing measures and prompt professional treatment, please call your local extramural sanitation company to arrange a free inspection and treatment quote in your home, or contact the National Pest Management Association with any questions. Good luck!

Human

Human: What are the names of some ant-baiting products?

Assistant: 
The most popular and effective ant-baiting substances are boric acid and ant-cakes. Ant-cakes are granular mixtures of food-powders and boric acid that are an effective, scientifically-proven way of repelling and controlling ant colonies. Home ant-baiting treatments typically use either directly-purchased ant-cakes or mixtures of boric acid and an attractive food-powder, like proteins and sugars. 
The two most common organic ant-baiting products are boric acid and sugar-based baits. Boric acid is derived from the mineral borax, and ant-bait formulas usually contain one or more of the following: boric acid powder, borax, sugar, nutritional acids, and essential oils. Some ant-baiting products may also contain toxic nest poison, such as boric acid. Toxins in ant-bait products are not meant for continuous, extended use, and can cause harmful side-effects when used in this manner. Most ant-bait formulas are meant to be used for only a single treatment, and direct contact with the ant-bait is not recommended for normal use.