Ants in the yard

[Opie]

I need help. What is the strongest, most lethal (to the ants) chemicals that I can still purchase and apply to my yard? The ants are terrible this year, and the little buggers bite. Our grass is fairly thick, with a few thinner areas (we fertilize on a regular schedule and have the sprinklers running every other day), but the ants seem to be winning. We live in the great Anoka County desert, so everything below the bit of topoil is pure sand.

Thanks in advance,

Dean Thorn

[hoggs222]

I hear ya! I'm in Andover. I'd like to know also.

[IFallsRon]

I hit the main holes I can find with Terro Ant Spray and sprinkle poison granules around the edges of the nest.

[stick]

I have been using stuff I got from Franks Nursery (before they went out of biz) that had diazanon (spelling?) in it. It is a granular substance, and it works well. It was priced great for a 20 lb bag (which is still why I'm using it). I took a coffee can and poked holes with the tip of a nail in the bottom of the can. I then put a coffee can lid on the bottom to contain the granules, and one on the top of the can. I use this as a big "salt shaker" and roam the yard and hit any mounds as I see them. I am able to keep a good perimiter around the house.

Now those gophers...that's another story.

[Jeremiah Johnson]

we used the terro ant killer. comes in a 10lb bag i think and u sprinkle it on and surrounding the ant colonies, then u sprinkle some water right after that, worked pretty well, doesnt harm the grass either.

[UdeLakeTom]

I picked a spray bottle from Home Depot called Ortho Yard

Guard.....I sprayed it is spring on several spots that the carpenter ants had taken over. One big nest next to the neighbors house and several in my yard. Also they were taking over my maple tree. I sprayed these spots and haven't seen but a couple in other areas of the yard. No big nest. The stuff is supposed to work for up to 4 mos.

So far so good.

[broncosguy711]

I also had the battle, and have won as far as I can tell. 2 weeks ago I had flying ants all over the place then took the time to mark all the areas they were in with flags. after all were marked I went back into the house and started boiling water. pour the large pan in about 3 holes 1 time. just poured little amounts 2 or 3 times, not all at 1 time and they were all terminated. It might take more then 1 time, but cheaper then the spray and no effect on animals and the grass. I have not seen any since.

Broncs.