pesticides

[ONEMANBAND]

Are any chemicals better to use in a house with reef tanks? We are experiencing a really cold snap and have found some ants in our laundry area. I obviously won't spray in close proximity to my tanks, but want am wondering if there is a "best" pesticide for reefers? Thanks in advance, I know this is a bit off topic.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Boric acid is certainly a desirable one, but I don't know if it works on ants. Otherwise, I don't have any particular preferences. A powder would be better than a spray, all others things being equal. Any kinds that target ant pheremones would be best.

 

[KingDiamond]

Using baits with Boric acid is more effective than spraying. The workers take it back and feed it to other members in the colony. You can pick it up just about anywhere, I think Tero is one of the names.

Brad

 

[ONEMANBAND]

As always, appreciate your help.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Good luck.

 

[KingDiamond]

Onemanband, How big are the ants? Are they very small and brown? These could be Pharo ants. What ever you do don't smash them. They will send out a "fear" pheremone that will cause the colony to split. Not a big deal if it is a small colony, but if it is big you could compound your problem. Good luck some species of ants can be very difficult to get control of.

Brad

 

[ONEMANBAND]

medium sized ants, my 2 and 5 year olds actually were having a good time smashing them with toy hammers when my wife found them, so I hope they are not the Pharo ants. My wife just bleached and cleaned the entire first floor so they should not have any food avail. I sprayed the exterior foundation last nite in sub-zero windchill-talk about a fun time. House is fairly new (3years) definately want to get the problem fixed properly and quickly. Once again thanks for the help.