Expert-backed Suggestions for Resolution
In the residential area of Karlsruhe-Knielingen, an unusual ant infestation has taken over, with ants found in every room of affected apartments, on the sidewalks, and even on trees along the street. This infestation is caused by the forgotten wood ant (Lasius neglectus), a species native to the region around the Black Sea, but now being introduced through garden centers selling olive trees.
The ants have formed their own colonies in the area, causing a significant problem for residents. One resident, the Franz couple, has reported ants in their apartment under the sink, on the terrace, and even in their bed. Other residents of the multi-family house on Lassallestraße have also been affected. The situation has become so severe that it is now considered a "plague."
To effectively control this widespread infestation, a comprehensive, multi-step approach is necessary.
**Seal Entry Points**
The first step is to identify and seal all cracks, gaps, and crevices around your home. These areas serve as highways for ants to enter. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or foam fillers to close these access points tightly. Products like GE Silicone All-Purpose Caulk are recommended for durability and weather resistance. Pay special attention to areas like basements, under sinks, and where tree limbs or debris touch the building.
**Use Repellents and Disrupt Trails**
Instead of squashing ants (which releases pheromones that attract more ants), clean surfaces with a vinegar and water solution (50-50) to neutralize pheromone trails and discourage ants from following the same paths. Consider natural repellents like peppermint oil or commercial ant sprays if appropriate and safe for your household. For persistent infestations, deploy ant bait traps with boric acid or insecticide-laced sugar that worker ants carry back to the colony, effectively eliminating the source.
**Create Physical Barriers with Substances**
Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE) around doorways, foundations, and potential entry points. Its microscopic sharp edges cut through the ants’ exoskeletons, dehydrating and killing them without harmful chemicals. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on surfaces like window sills, door thresholds, and areas where ants are repeatedly seen. This sticky barrier prevents ants from crossing and entering your home.
By integrating sealing, cleaning/repelling, and physical barriers, you can significantly reduce ant entry and infestation. Regular monitoring and maintenance of these measures will help keep your Karlsruhe-Knielingen home ant-free over time.
If the infestation remains severe, consider consulting local pest control professionals who understand regional ant species and can offer targeted treatments. The situation is causing stress for residents, with some considering moving due to its severity. One resident has even reported having dreams about the ants and experiencing such fear that she thrashes around in her sleep to scare off the animals.
Stay vigilant, and good luck in keeping your home ant-free!
[1] Ants: How to Identify and Control Ants in Your Home (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.terminix.com/blog/pest-control/ants-how-to-identify-and-control-ants-in-your-home/ [2] How to Get Rid of Ants: 16 Effective Ways (2021, March 16). Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-ants-1412401 [3] How to Get Rid of Ants: 10 Natural Ways to Keep Ants Away (2021, April 2). Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-ants-naturally-1412409 [4] How to Get Rid of Ants: 10 Professional Ant Control Methods (2021, April 2). Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-get-rid-of-ants-professionally-1412410
While battling the widespread ant infestation in their home-and-garden, the Franz couple has found ants in unexpected places like under the sink, on the terrace, and even in their bed. To address this issue, implementing a lifestyle change involving sealing entry points, using repellents and disrupting ant trails, and creating physical barriers with substances like Diatomaceous Earth could be beneficial. By staying vigilant and following these steps, homeowners in Karlsruhe-Knielingen may find relief from this ant problem.
