Don't Get Antsy About a Summertime Pest: Learn the Expert Ways to Outsmart Ants

NEW YORK, June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- MS -- Ants may be scoping out your home
right now as a source of food. By learning how ants behave and recognizing
their calling cards, you can successfully prevent ant problems this year. Here
are some tips from BASF, manufacturer of Termidor(R) termiticide/insecticide
and Phantom(R) termiticide-insecticide:
-- Inspect the exterior perimeter of the house for signs of ants.
Carpenter ants are a big, black, common variety of ant that can enter
the house and cause major structural damage, say experts. Signs of
these ants may be frass: wood shavings, bits of soil, and parts of
other insects. Other ants may create soil mounds or be seen scurrying
along ant trails. Many ants do most foraging at night, so you may find
more activity in the evening hours.
-- Eliminate food sources. Ants love grease, crumbs, sweets, and other
materials that they can scavenge. Rinse out containers before placing
them in garbage bags. Clean up spills in and around the house.
Routinely clean floors, inside of cabinets, countertops, and even
around appliances to get rid of some food sources. Also pick up pets'
water and food bowls when they're not in use.
-- Seal cracks around windows and doors. Ants can fit through even the
tiniest of gaps in search of food and water, so make sure you block
entry to your house. Also, eliminate hiding spots for ants, such as
moving firewood or woodpiles away from the home.
-- Remove water sources. Ants need water in addition to food to survive.
Fix plumbing leaks and clean out downspouts to eliminate moisture
seepage into the home. Also, check outdoor waterspouts and any drains
to make sure they're functioning properly.
-- Learn about ant behavior to beat these pests at their own game. The Ant
Institute(TM) (AntInstitute.com), developed by the experts at BASF, is
the Web's premier destination for learning about these common household
pests. On the site, Web cameras capture close snapshots of ants 24
hours a day, seven days a week, honing in on what it would be like if
these pests invaded a typical home. The Web site is also enhanced by
facts about ants, opportunities for "asking the expert," and other
useful information for those interested in ant behavior -- and how to
eradicate the pests. The site's scientific content is reviewed and
managed by expert entomologists.

"Effective ant control begins by understanding the behavior of ants and
working with a professional to apply effective solutions," says Bob Hickman,
chief entomologist with the Ant Institute. "Pest professionals can combine
application of Phantom to outdoor points where pests enter as frequently as
every month with a Termidor application along the exterior foundation walls
twice a year for general pest control."
There are plenty of other tips and techniques for dealing with ants found
at AntInstitute.com. Log on today to view ants in real time and find out more.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080603/NYTUFNS1 )
SOURCE BASF

Metro Editorial Services for BASF, +1-800-223-1600