Bug bombs for open attic?

[Zero Knievel]

We're having a reoccurring issue with tiny ants in the kitchen.  Each time, they are coming in from one of the ceiling lights.  Clean surfaces, spray, it goes away for a while.

 

The attic is an open, unfinished space with the HVAC ductwork and open insulation.  Front and rear of the house has perforated soffit which works in conjunction with the ridge vent at the peak to allow heat escape/air circulation.

 

Will a bug bomb/fogger work in a space like this?  If not, what's the best way to apply pesticide to kill any ant nests in the attic I can't see?  I'd want one that's pet safe so we don't have to clean stuff off after application so the dogs aren't affected.  It would be nice to be able to use the same thing both in the attic and the house.

 

I've been in touch with extermination companies, so I have an idea of what it would cost to hire a professional to do it versus DIY.

[ironmike]

Had a similar problem with ants (drawn to seepage around an old plumbing junction in a wall). The old plumber who fixed the problem spread some diatomaceous earth in and around the area of the ants--all traces of them were gone within a couple of days. He explained that he used it as "green solution" for any insect problems on his jobs. If you don't disturb the ash-like powder it can be a permanent  solution. 

 

https://learn.eartheasy.com/articles/diatomaceous-earth-non-toxic-pest-control-for-your-home-and-garden/

[DaveK]

1 hour ago, Zero Knievel said:

We're having a reoccurring issue

Say it ain’t so. 

[SwampNut]

This is nuke and pave, highly recommended.  Nothing survives for about three months.

 

https://www.domyown.com/talstar-professional-insecticide-p-97.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI) Dynamic Search Ads&utm_id=76659859&utm_content=8924368219&utm_term=&keyword=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Xdi1JjSYfFo1UNgXlNegwr5d2a

 

Now, I need to figure out how to get it on the roof, as we've had a couple scorpions come down the over-stove exhaust tube.

 

[DaveK]

Tarp the house 🏠 and set it on fire. Start with the shitty wood steps and poor French drains. 

[Biometrix]

I used these ant baits. Put them up in the attic and where the doggos can't get to them. Worked for me.

 

 Amazon linky: https://a.co/d/e9ESq6g

 

[blackhawkxx]

Lowes and other places sells a powder marketed as roach killing power with boric acid which I'm guessing has diatomaceous earth that works well on ants.  It claims the ants take it back to the nest.  In the spring I get tiny ants and this is the only thing that stop them for the rest of the year.

[Zero Knievel]

2 hours ago, SwampNut said:

This is nuke and pave, highly recommended.  Nothing survives for about three months.

 

https://www.domyown.com/talstar-professional-insecticide-p-97.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=(ROI) Dynamic Search Ads&utm_id=76659859&utm_content=8924368219&utm_term=&keyword=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Xdi1JjSYfFo1UNgXlNegwr5d2a

 

Now, I need to figure out how to get it on the roof, as we've had a couple scorpions come down the over-stove exhaust tube.

 

Bought it...sounds perfect.  I can spray around the house, around doors and windows and the whole attic and still have plenty left over.  The ant problem started in the last few months...maybe a year, so I think they've found a way in and are setting up shop.

[SwampNut]

2 hours ago, Zero Knievel said:

 

Bought it...sounds perfect.  I can spray around the house, around doors and windows and the whole attic and still have plenty left over.  The ant problem started in the last few months...maybe a year, so I think they've found a way in and are setting up shop.

 

That bottle last longer than the expiration time, though I keep using it.  And I do an overdosed two gallon mix every few months.  Ants are annoying, we have some.  But guess what is even more annoying?  The things that eat ants, like scorpions and tarantulas.  And then, those are eaten by the rattlesnakes.  When you see ants, I see a food pyramid.

 

[blackhawkxx]

2 hours ago, SwampNut said:

 The things that eat ants, like scorpions and tarantulas.  And then, those are eaten by the rattlesnakes.  When you see ants, I see a food pyramid.

You could eat the rattlesnakes and be at the top of the pyramid.  🙂

[SwampNut]

I wait for the eagles to eat the snakes, then eat them.  Top of the food chain, and taste like spotted owl.

 

 

 

Assistant

Bot

Jul 13

Eagle meat has a distinctive gamey, slightly fishy flavor. It is very lean and tough, with a strong, rich taste that is quite different from other more common game meats like deer or elk. The texture is usually described as stringy and dry. Eagle meat requires careful preparation and slow cooking methods like stewing or braising to tenderize the tough muscle fibers. It is not a commonly eaten meat, as hunting of eagles is often restricted or prohibited in many areas due to their status as protected species.

[superhawk996]

22 hours ago, DaveK said:

Tarp the house 🏠 and set it on fire. Start with the shitty wood steps and poor French drains. 

Jezzus dude, WTF?!?  We're going to need to donate again for the server required to hold the 857 page thread on how to tarp a house.

[DaveK]

1 hour ago, superhawk996 said:

Jezzus dude, WTF?!?  We're going to need to donate again for the server required to hold the 857 page thread on how to tarp a house.

Suck it up bitch. He’s the retarded brother we never had. 

[superhawk996]

I'm pretty sure Hacienda Heights was created on a massive ant hill.  They've always been a problem, but the long hot summer appears to have them desperate for food, they've been pretty relentless lately.  Pretty annoying, but it's better than having scorpions drop in through the kitchen vent so I won't bitch too much.