Answer
Dec 26, 2016 - 04:19 AM
Typically, fire ants will enter a slab foundation through a crack, expansion joint (where 2 cement slabs join) and around utility pipes. There are several reasons why this happens. The most common reason is that the fire ant colonies in the lawn are very numerous and the ants have simply moved under the foundation. Other reasons can be that there is a moisture leak, a repellent product was used on the ants in lawn that forced them to move, as well as the possibility of a subterranean termite infestation that is providing a food source for them.
Regardless of how or why they got inside - stopping them can be easy or difficult depending on the area of infestation.
In the garage, they are probably entering from the exterior foundation. Treating the outside perimeter of the foundation with a product called "Termidor SC" is key. Saturating the soil within 1 foot of the foundation will kill the fire ants on the perimeter. Usually, several gallons (2-5 gallons) of Termidor mix is needed. It can be applied with a hand sprayer or simply mix it in a bucket and pour it.
In the utility room, the ants are entering around the plumbing lines in the wall. It is very common for fire ants to enter around water lines, drains, vents stacks, etc. If a hole were to be cut in the wall, chances are you would find a fire ant colony and dirt inside the wall. Again, very common for North Texas.
The way to kill fire ants inside a wall is to spray Termidor SC liquid inside the wall. The way to do this without dismantling the wall, is to make a hole the size of a spray wand (1/2" or so) and spray or pour (using a funnel) Termidor SC inside the all between every stud.
This is how it is done - a hole is made in the wall about 6 inches above the baseboard and between every stud on the wall. About 1 pint of Termidor SC is then sprayed or injected into the wall. This is because you don't know exactly where the plumbing lines are, and making a hole between every stud will ensure that you place the Termidor SC where it needs to go.
There are other factors to consider such as leaking water lines, etc. This is a basic example of how treating for fire ant inside a wall is done.
Be careful when drilling and don't hit a water line.
This is also how some subterranean termite treatments are made, because termites and fire ants will enter a house the same way, so the treatment is the same inside. A trench is dug around the house on the outside and Termidor SC placed into the trench for subterranean termites.
Let me know if you have other questions. We sell Termidor SC and are located off of Jupiter and 635 in Northeast Dallas. You can stop by and pick it up.
http://www.epestsupply.com/product/79...
Ron
Regardless of how or why they got inside - stopping them can be easy or difficult depending on the area of infestation.
In the garage, they are probably entering from the exterior foundation. Treating the outside perimeter of the foundation with a product called "Termidor SC" is key. Saturating the soil within 1 foot of the foundation will kill the fire ants on the perimeter. Usually, several gallons (2-5 gallons) of Termidor mix is needed. It can be applied with a hand sprayer or simply mix it in a bucket and pour it.
In the utility room, the ants are entering around the plumbing lines in the wall. It is very common for fire ants to enter around water lines, drains, vents stacks, etc. If a hole were to be cut in the wall, chances are you would find a fire ant colony and dirt inside the wall. Again, very common for North Texas.
The way to kill fire ants inside a wall is to spray Termidor SC liquid inside the wall. The way to do this without dismantling the wall, is to make a hole the size of a spray wand (1/2" or so) and spray or pour (using a funnel) Termidor SC inside the all between every stud.
This is how it is done - a hole is made in the wall about 6 inches above the baseboard and between every stud on the wall. About 1 pint of Termidor SC is then sprayed or injected into the wall. This is because you don't know exactly where the plumbing lines are, and making a hole between every stud will ensure that you place the Termidor SC where it needs to go.
There are other factors to consider such as leaking water lines, etc. This is a basic example of how treating for fire ant inside a wall is done.
Be careful when drilling and don't hit a water line.
This is also how some subterranean termite treatments are made, because termites and fire ants will enter a house the same way, so the treatment is the same inside. A trench is dug around the house on the outside and Termidor SC placed into the trench for subterranean termites.
Let me know if you have other questions. We sell Termidor SC and are located off of Jupiter and 635 in Northeast Dallas. You can stop by and pick it up.
http://www.epestsupply.com/product/79...
Ron
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