Managing the Hairy Crazy Ant

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Environment Articles

Thursday, 09 August 2012 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua St. John's - The Plant Protection Unit has offered some suggestions to householders for the management of the hairy crazy ant, which has reportedly become a nuisance in a number of homes across the island.

Apparently, the hairy crazy ant has the habit of dying in large numbers at various locations within the house, and the odour given off by these reddish-brown ants can be likened to that of seaweed.

“In order to manage the hairy crazy ant problem within the house, we suggest you do the following:

Mix thoroughly 3 cups water, 1 cup sugar and 1 tsp. borax (or 1/5 cup boric acid).

Half fill a glass jar with cotton wool, paper towel or other absorbent material, then moisten the material completely with the solution.

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Punch holes in the cover of the jar and place the cover on the jar. Place such jars at strategic areas within the house but out of the reach of children and pets.

“Clean countertops as well as spray ants directly with one of the following: vinegar, vinegar and water (50/50 mix), cider vinegar and water (50/50 mix), solution of essential oils (e.g., peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, witch hazel extract). Outside, you could apply (as per manufacturer’s recommendation on the label) Maxforce Granular Insect Bait (active ingredient: hydramethylnon).”

Removal of harbourage around and under the house as well as sealing any points through which the ants could gain access to the house are pivotal to successful management of the hairy, crazy ant.

Though management of this problem falls outside the mandate of Plant Protection, it is sufficiently important to provide some strategies to offer some relief to those affected, the PPU said.

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