We perform localized crack and crevice treatments indoors for ants. This is to inject a product into their entry points. Applying bug killer in exposed areas of the living space is saved as a last resort.
We use 5 different types of product formulations:
- Dust
- Foam
- Liquid Residual Sprays
- Bait
- Aerosol
We base what we use on a few different factors. The size of the crevice is the main factor. The presence of occupants is another factor.
Foam
Foam pesticides can easily be over applied. We only use foam if the crevice is large enough of a hollow void for foam to expand into. This works great injecting into door and window frames. It has no odor. It does not go airborne like dust or aerosols. So, it is very practical if the crevice is large enough.
Aerosol
Ants can enter the living space through the smallest of crevices. Sometimes it is so small the product doesn’t fit into the hole. This is the benefit of aerosols. We attach a crack and crevice straw to the can. And the product can go just about anywhere. The downside with aerosols is that we need to wear an organic vapor respirator. It is costly to do so. On top of that, the odor is strong. Thus, everyone needs to be completely out of that area until ventilated. It is not practical to use when people are around.
Dust
Dust is the preferable method to treat electric outlets, doors, and window frames. Vacate dusted rooms for 45 minutes. This allows any stray dust to settle out of the air. Lakewood Exterminating has a special tool called the Exacticide duster. This piece of equipment revolutionizes how dust is applied. The benefit of dust is that it lasts a long time. As a result, ants will not be able to utilize the treatment area for an extended period. The downside is that we do not apply it if occupants are around. And the crevice must be large enough to fit our duster tip. Between the two, we tend to stick to gel bait and bait stations inside.
Bait
Gel bait is the most practical when there are people and pets around. The gel bait is easy to contain, and the health risk of using it is low. Again, we apply these to crevices where people and pets cannot access. Or we place them in bait stations. Bait stations can be moved around. You can also pick them up when kids or pets are present. The amount of pesticide in the bait is very dilute. Even if a pet licked a dab of it, it likely would have no reaction. Think about how small ants are. The bait has to be dilute enough not to kill them upon consumption. They have to make it back to the nest and pass it around.
Liquid
We can use a pin stream crack and crevice, or spot spray with a regular old pump sprayer. But we have better success not applying liquid residual sprays inside for ants.