Alternative control strategies for ants around homes

Recent research in urban ant control provides some new opportunities for developing alternative pest management strategies. Current control of urban pest ants relies heavily on broadcast spraying of residual insecticides. However, recent findings suggest that a combination of ant repellents, baits, and exclusion techniques may be equally effective and offer a safer alternative. Low-toxicity pesticides and nonchemical methods would significantly reduce the risk of exposure to pesticides, as well as serve as a model for ant control based on an environmentally safe approach.