Ants are among the most common pests of the home. Their nests are found in lawns, in the walls of homes and in any other location that gives them protection.

Mounds of soil created by ants in the lawn are unsightly as well as being a nuisance. If you allow the ants to continue building mounds on your lawn, eventually the grass may be killed in these areas.

A granular insecticide with active ingredient beta-cyfluthrin, such as Bayer Advanced Triple Ant Killer Granules is effective in killing ants in lawns, around homes, and as spot treatment for ant mounds. Other active ingredients labeled for ant control include cyfluthrin (tempo), beta-cyfluthrin (Bayer Advanced Home Pest Control Indoor/Outdoor Insect Killer), and deltamethrin (Bayer Advanced PowerForceŽ Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Plus). These insecticides are available in a liquid form for spray applications. Apply insecticide mixture liberally over the ant hills. You may have to repeat the treatment if you see any activity several days after your first application. When using insecticide, mix and apply according to label directions.

For ant control in the home, you can use commercial ant baits such as Terro. Place the bait close to the areas in your home where the ants are the most active. Don't allow ant baits to come indirect contact with food or eating utensils. Also don't allow your children or pets access to these baits.

Mention of any trade names does not imply endorsement of one product over another nor discrimination against any product by the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

This page was last updated May 2009

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