"Mark Thorson" > wrote in message
...
>I suppose I should consider myself lucky that it's been
> a couple years since the last invasion. They used to be
> much more frequent.
>
> I've never used insecticide. The last time I saw someone
> use Raid, it seemed spectacularly ineffective. The ants
> were swimming around in the stuff. On the other hand,
> I once stopped an ant trail in the bathroom by spraying
> Tilex tile cleaner on it. It killed the ants instantly
> and the residue kept them from rebuilding the trail.
> I might try that again, if I decide to go nuclear.
>
> Right now, I'm trying to knock down the invasion by hosing
> down the ant trail on the outside of the house every couple
> of hours. That works during the day, but they build it up
> again at night. Ants don't appear to sleep.
>
> Any other tactical suggestions cheerfully accepted.
I had that same problem in the kitchen and the bathroom, until about a year
ago. Then I found a couple of Black and Decker "Sonic" plug in contraptions
at a discount store, plugged one in the bath, the other in the kitchen and
"zap" no more problem. I don't know how they work, but from what I
understand they emit a ultrasound. I can't hear it but the ants sure do.
Just be sure that the device is out in the open, as much as possible. If
it's blocked that's where the critters will come in. Oh, no effect on dogs
and cats, but keep pet mice, rats, guinea pigs, crickets, etc. away.A lot
more info, pro and con just Google "sonic insect repellent".