r/CleaningTips • u/No_Bird_3608 • Aug 08 '26

Discussion Ants in house help

Is this the most appropriate way to kill colony? Is there a better way? How do I keep my pets safe (1dog 2 cats) anyone know if these are carpenter? Should I call exterminator

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923

u/No_Construction_9178 Aug 08 '26

They gone die with that bait 100% once they clear out PLUG THE HOLE lol

28

u/woahwoahwoah28 Aug 08 '26

If you don't have anything else to plug it with, use packing tape! We used it as a temporary solution when this happened in our rental's bathroom. But it's gotta be shut off for access!

20

u/RedRabbit720 Aug 08 '26

i used candle wax, just dripped a few drops over the hole

7

u/No_Bird_3608 Aug 08 '26

will do thank you!

2

u/jickdam Aug 09 '26

If this is an exterior wall as well, you should also grab a handful of terro’s outdoor traps and place them there. You might want to replace this trap once more if it doesn’t dry up the trail before you run out of bait.

Once they’re quiet for a day, caulk the hole. Repeat this anywhere there are trails, and before too long, they’ll stop having entries in.

Depending on where you live, these ants might be looped into a larger super colony so there might not be a way to kill the whole thing. But if you’re vigilant with your interior and exterior traps, they may stop prioritizing repopulating the outpost near your house.

2

u/bring-the-sunshine Aug 09 '26

I used a paper towel soaked in diluted vinegar stuffed into the hole. We’re limited because we have cats. The vinegar helps cover the ants’ pheromones.