TERRO Liquid Ant Bait
To kill common household ants, simply place the pre-filled, ready-to-use liquid ant bait stations near indoor areas where ants are spotted. Ants enter the trap, consume the liquid ant bait, then return to the nest where they pass on the bait to the rest of the colony. Each box contains 6 baits.
TERRO Liquid Ant Baits are specifically designed to kill the worker ant in two to three days, giving the foraging ants enough time to share the bait with the rest of the unsuspecting colony. The liquid ant bait stations prevent the bait from drying out and provide the ants with a continuous supply of liquid, day and night.
How Does It Work?
This is a bait product, so initially you're going to see more ants—lots more. Here's why—as ant foragers look for food, they are attracted to the sweet liquid ant bait. Once foraging worker ants find the liquid bait, they consume it and drop what is called a 'trail pheromone' back to the nest that lets all the other worker ants know the location of the food supply. This is why you will initially see more ants when using the liquid ant baits.
While the active ingredient in the bait will ultimately kill the worker ant, it slowly interferes with the ant's digestive system so the worker has time to get back and share the ant bait with the rest of the colony. This slow kill is needed to allow time for the foraging ants to make several trips to the bait and deliver enough bait to the rest of the colony. This is the only way to get rid of both the ants you see and the ants you don't.
Because this is a bait product, it is important to eliminate all other food sources in the area. This will ensure that the ants aren't tempted to eat anything but the (deadly) liquid ant bait. The liquid ant bait station should remain as undisturbed as possible while the ants are actively feeding on it.
Where to Place Ant Bait Stations
Simply place the liquid ant bait stations near ant trails or areas where ants are numerous. It's also a good idea to stop ants in their tracks by placing additional bait stations anywhere ants may try to infiltrate your home. For best results, use all six bait stations to ensure a sufficient supply for the unsuspecting ants to feast on.
Keep your eye on the bait stations to monitor activity but resist the temptation to interfere when you witness the ants coming in droves to feast on the bait. Your patience will pay off as you watch your ant infestation dwindle then disappear.
When necessary, replace with additional bait stations when the first set is depleted. Once your ant problem is under control, replace the bait stations every three months as prevention to keep the ants from marching back into your home.
Now It's Feeding Time
Now that you know how the liquid ant bait actually works and where to place the bait stations, it's time for the feeding frenzy to begin. Break apart the bait stations, hold upright, and cut off the colored part with a pair of scissors. Then place the station where it's needed. Depending on the size of the infestation, complete control may take up to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I just placed several TERRO Liquid Ant Baits in my kitchen and it's attracting more ants, not killing them! What's going on?
A: You have nothing to worry about! Initially, you will see more ants. As ant foragers look for food, they are attracted to the sweet liquid in the bait which they consume and carry back to feed to the rest of the colony. On the way back to the nest, the ants drop what it called a 'trail pheromone', letting the other ants know where the tasty food supply is. In turn, these ants follow the trail to the bait which explains why you initially see more ants
Q: I've been using TERRO Liquid Ant Bait for the past few days. When should I remove the bait stations?
A: We recommend leaving the bait out for three to four days after signs of ant activity diminish. If no more ants appear, remove the bait, relax and enjoy being ant-free!
Q: The ants in my kitchen are avoiding the TERRO Ant Killer – can you explain why?
A: As long as the bait is in liquid form (has not hardened or thickened) it should be effective because the active ingredient does not diminish over time. The ants may have found another food source, by seeking a grease-based vs. sugar-based food, or be in the breeding cycle of their colony and not interested in eating.
Q: How long does it take to eliminate an ant colony with TERRO Liquid Ant Bait?
A: The ants consume large quantities of the bait and then return to the nest and share it with the rest of the colony, killing the ants you see and the ants you don't. This process can take up to two weeks, depending on the size of the infestation. Each ant that consumes the bait will die within 24 - 48 hours. It is important to leave the bait as undisturbed as possible while the ants are actively feeding on it. You should replace it only if it becomes inaccessible to the ants, or empty.