Ants- Central Texas (Austin)

Over the last few weeks my kitchen (1st floor) and master bath (2nd floor right above the kitchen) have become over-run by tiny ants. They aren't fire ants and both kitchen and bath are very clean. But have obvious moisture from time to time.

They started showing up shortly after we built a deck in our back yard (buts up against the kitchen wall). We have also had foundation problems over the last year, I believe this may have allowed entrance to the house. I have sprayed and taken steps to keep them from coming in BUT I CAN'T GET RID OF THE ONES I ALREADY HAVE.

Any suggestions? I tried the store-bought (Home Depot) traps but they don't seem to go in to the traps.

I was also told a mixture of boric acid, sugar and water works well but haven't gone that far yet.

 

My ant-killer of choice is Terro:

Ant Problem? Terro = Ant Control Solutions

Note the active ingredient is borax. Haven't had an invasion laterly, but when I do this does the job.

Just locate some active areas, put a little dab on a small square of cardboard or foil, and set it where they can find it.

 

Thank you for the suggestion.
Have you used this on "sugar" ants, they are very small. I like the idea of a liqued/gel vs. the trap that I am currently using. I don't think the ants can even get into the trap.

 

I've used the gel bait and it works well. You have to be patient and persistant to make sure there is plenty for them to eat and take back to the colony. It took me most of last spring and summer to finally stop seeing them. I would put the bait on the coated cardboard and withing minutes there were hundreds of ants eating. Once the bait was gone I would add more.

Newt