How Do Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps Work?
Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps work by utilizing a two-step process to eliminate ant infestations.
- Attractant: The traps contain a sweet liquid bait that is highly attractive to ants. This lure encourages ants to enter the trap and consume the bait.
- Insecticide: Once the ants ingest the bait, they also ingest the insecticide contained within it. This insecticide is slow-acting, allowing the ants to return to their colony and share the bait with other ants, including the queen.
The key to this system is the slow-acting insecticide. The ants consume the bait in the trap and proceed to bring the bait back to their colony.
How Do You Effectively Use This Product?
- Placement: First, identify the areas where you've seen ants or where they might enter your home. This could be along baseboards, in corners, under sinks, in cupboards, or near food sources. Place Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps in these locations.
- Activation: To activate the trap, simply punch all side holes on ant trap. This will expose the bait and allow ants to access it.
- Monitoring and Replacement: Monitor the traps regularly for ant activity. If you see a significant decrease in the number of ants around the trap, it's working. Replace traps as needed to maintain sufficient supply of bait if ants are still present or if the bait is depleted.
When Should I Use Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps?
Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps should be used when you notice an ant infestation in your home or want to prevent one. Here are some specific situations when you might want to use this product:
- Visible Infestation: If you see a large number of ants in your home, especially in areas where food is stored or prepared, it's time to use the traps.
- Ant Trails: Ants leave a pheromone trail for other ants to follow. If you notice consistent lines of ants traveling in the same path, setting up traps along these trails can be effective.
- Preventive Measure: Even if you don't see ants, they could still be present. Placing traps in potential entry points like near doors, windows, and cracks can help prevent an infestation in areas where you've had ant problems in the past.
- Seasonal Use: Ants are most active during warmer months, so using the traps in spring and summer can help control their population.
Where Should I Use Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps?
Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps can be used both indoors and outdoors to effectively control ant populations. Here are some specific places where you might want to use these traps:
Indoors:
- Kitchen: Place the traps near areas where food is stored or prepared, such as under sinks, in cupboards, or near appliances.
- Bathroom: Ants are attracted to moisture, so placing traps under sinks, near showers or bathtubs, or around pipes can be effective.
- Living Areas: Place traps along baseboards, in corners, or near potential entry points like doors and windows.
Outdoors:
- Near Ant Hills: If you notice ant hills in your yard, place traps nearby to target the colony directly.
- Entry Points: Place traps near potential entry points to your home, such as doors, windows, or cracks in the foundation.
- Garden: If ants are a problem in your garden, you can place traps around the perimeter or near plants that are being affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under What Circumstances Should You Use Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps?
Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps are designed to be used under a variety of circumstances where ants pose a problem. Here are some specific situations:
- Indoor Infestations: If you notice ants inside your home, particularly in areas like the kitchen or bathroom, these traps can help eliminate them.
- Outdoor Infestations: If you see ant hills or trails in your yard, garden, patio, or around the exterior of your house, the traps can be used to target the colonies directly.
- Preventive Measures: Even if you don't currently have an ant problem, using these traps can prevent future infestations. They can be placed near potential entry points to your home or in areas where you've had ant problems in the past.
- Seasonal Ant Activity: Ants are typically more active during warmer months. Using these traps in spring and summer can help control their population before it becomes a problem.
Why Are Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps Effective?
Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps are effective due to their unique design and method of operation. Here's why:
- Attractant Bait: The traps contain a sweet liquid bait that is highly attractive to ants. This encourages ants to enter the trap and consume the bait.
- Slow-Acting Insecticide: The bait also contains a slow-acting insecticide. When ants consume the bait, they don't die immediately. Instead, they return to their colony and share the bait with other ants, including the queen.
- Colony Elimination: By allowing the ants to return to their colony, the insecticide effectively reaches and eliminates the entire colony, including the queen who is responsible for producing new ants.
- Indoor and Outdoor Use: The traps can be used both inside and outside your home, providing comprehensive protection against ant infestations.
What Precautions Should I Take When Using This Product?
When using Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps, it's important to follow safety precautions to ensure the product is used effectively and safely. Here are some precautions you should take:
- Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Ensure the traps are placed in areas that are inaccessible to children or pets.
- Avoid Contact with Skin and Eyes: While handling the traps, avoid touching your face, especially your eyes. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with water.
- Do Not Ingest: The bait may be harmful if swallowed. If someone accidentally ingests the bait, seek medical help immediately.
- Wash Hands After Handling: Always wash your hands thoroughly after setting up or handling the traps.
- Do Not Reuse Traps: Once the bait is depleted, dispose of it properly. Do not attempt to refill or reuse the traps.
- Store Properly: Store unused traps in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.
How Do You Clean Up After Getting Rid of Ants?
Once you've successfully used Ortho® Ant B Gon Max® Ant Traps to get rid of ants, it's important to properly clean up to prevent future infestations. Here are the steps:
- Remove and Dispose of Traps: Safely remove all ant traps from their locations. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the traps. Wrap used container in newspaper and discard with household garbage.
- Clean Infested Areas: Thoroughly clean the areas where you noticed ant activity or placed the traps. Use a household cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe down surfaces. This helps to remove any remaining ant pheromones that could attract new ants.
- Seal Entry Points: If possible, seal any cracks or crevices where ants were entering your home. This can help prevent future infestations.
- Store Food Properly: Ensure food is stored in airtight containers and any spills or crumbs are cleaned up promptly. Ants are attracted to food sources, so eliminating these can deter them.
- Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye out for any new signs of ant activity. Early detection can make it easier to deal with a potential new infestation.
What Available Sizes are There for This Product?
This product comes in two sizes:
- One pack of 3 x 5g sized ant traps
- One value pack of 10 x 5g sized ant traps