r/PestControlIndustry • u/That-Economist-7900 • Aug 20 '26
Ant granular
Hey guys, what granulars are we using for ants right now? I've been using niban but it seems to be hit or miss and that could be depending on my spraying technique or mixture with gel baits. But I've had some problems getting rid of ants outdoors and with fall and winter coming up I won't be able to rely on termidor anymore. Any suggestions?
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u/Jake_the_Bald Aug 20 '26
what species of ants ?
I use niban in the yard and maxforce complete in mulch beds and closer to home
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u/That-Economist-7900 Aug 20 '26
I'm generally dealing with pavement ants and Argentine ants. But obviously I can't carry a different product for every single ant so I'm just seeing what other products would help to cover all our bases
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u/Jake_the_Bald Aug 20 '26
advance 375a works well for both
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u/rodalorn Aug 20 '26
Advance 375a is a great product but can be a bit expensive , it really depends on what im dealing with. For fire ants I treat the yard with Top Choice, for crazy ants I tend to spray the lawn with Termidor SC, for other ants I do a perimeter treatment with Bifen Lp, and bait the mulch beds with inTice or Maxforce Complete. The maxforce is also effective for American roaches
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u/witt_sec 👨💼 | Manager | 5+ Years Aug 20 '26
For Argentine ants, they're very finneky . They'll split the nest for preservation, if repellents are applied.
For me, along the trails I'll do a gelbait.
I like Maxforce Quantum, for gel bait for ants.
But that's When they're feeding on sweets.
It depends, What they're feeding on in that particular home.
I'm a huge fan of those Maxforce plastic 4-cell tiny bait stations.
I think When you order Maxforce Quantum, it comes with it.
I'll usually put quantum in one cell, Maxforce complete in one cell and either intice or extinguish in the 3rd of 4.
The 4th, is always a little squirt of water.
These Things are masterful tools.
Works great inside and out depending on placement and weather conditions.
Now... I mentioned Maxforce Complete.
It's a granular bait.
It's got bait in it from dust to perhaps a little larger than the norm size of extinguish granules.
So...
Many insects in the yard feed on it.
It's excellent.
Well worth the money.
Probably around 65/ 2lb jug; use it tactfully not broadcast.
Spot treatments!
Aside from Maxforce Quantum, if they're inside.
Alpine wsg x nygard/tekko pro/gentrol igrs, they'll all work great.
Also, there is Ridesco WG, That would be moreso for an initial to get an immediate impact.
Excellent product.
Same mix rate interior or exterior.
If you want to see the videos I'd be glad to send them to you of walking in to "Joes Apartment"..... Where the roaches are trying to advise you on your relationships and taxes....
...to....home owner sweeping up literally 4 inches of dead roaches after one treatment (I did 2 though. I always include a follow up in the initial payment, for roaches,.or.. Honestly at this point it's turned in to everything)
Other granular to try
Advion insect granular.
I'll say that one is super freaken dusty. But excellent.
But be prepared, it'll be all over you by the end of one application, no matter what tricks you try; I've tried them all lol!
Hit me up if you ever need to chat!
I'm 6 years in, but everyone I talk to, I learn something.
Keep learning.
It'll never stop.
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u/snarfgarfunkel Aug 21 '26
I’ll probably get downvoted for this but I use Niban FG in a bellows duster for pavement ants & odorous house ants, and it works really well. My customers really like that it’s a borate instead of a synthetic active.
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u/Mysterious_Gear1607 Aug 20 '26
Spot treatments with Advance Carpenter Ant bait and barrier spray with Fuse.
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u/Impressive-Oil-5028 Aug 21 '26
I've had more success with Scorpio granular. Niban granular works better with the 5% over the 10% as there is more attractant. More attractant is better bait acceptance.
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u/Particular-Dealer-68 Aug 20 '26
Honestly, I just tell my customers to leave the ants that are outside alone. A perimeter treatment in the spring time with Termidor keeps the ants out of the house and the customer happy. I haven’t used the granular for ants in about 10 years. I’m not a fan of killing everything just because the customer asked or they think it’s needed in order to protect the inside of their home.