Ants in my pavers - aaarrrgghhhhhhh

[Smiley Guy]

Had a paving job done a few months ago. The job is fine but now I have ants digging out the sand (and in a couple of spots the fine roadbase).

I have started using Mortein And Sand and filling in the gaps where sand has been removed and putting sand back in on top. It says I should do this every couple of months!

Does anybody know of effective ways to keep ants out? Somebody mentioned petrol or kerosene once.

I know if I leave them for too long, water will get in and move my pavers.

[ozwinner]

I know if I leave them for too long, water will get in and move my pavers.

Just how big are these ants?

Al

[Bleedin Thumb]

There are a few products that you can use to "lock up the sand" between the pavers these may work - don't know.
I do know that they are a right royal once you have them. I recommmend that in places where there is an an t problem you lay the pavers on a sand/cement mix which stops them ....bit late for you sorry.

Give Tom from Paving Plus a call he should know 94841855

[Smiley Guy]

Hi Ozwinner - the ants are only small ones, not like bull-ants or anything. I should have probably added that they are close to a gum tree (although I don't see many on the tree).

[Smiley Guy]

I want to look in to that paving silicone stuff - but have heard it will be a bit costly (at the moment). I am scared to try a cement mix as the pavers have a pitted surface and I am worried about getting cement stuck in the pits; I couldn't really just 'sweep in' in the cement with a broom (I think) as it would get the stuff stuck in the pits (I assume).

[Nevyn]

Had the same problem little ginger ants bringing up sand from under our patio pavers.

We changed part to concrete and got pest controllers in, once a year top up and no more ants is great.

[GlennD]

Had a similar problem several years ago.
We poured buckets of soapy water from the washing machine over the problem areas and their has not been a re-occurence.
Cheap and effective.

Regards, Glenn

[nine fingers]

White King ,1 cup to 1 litre of water will stop the little buggers.

nine fingers

[Smiley Guy]

Hmmm - I was hoping for a highly toxic chemical solution!!! although the soapy water sounds good too!

Maybe I could electrify the ground somehow . . .

[Cliff Rogers]

Diesel..... makes a bit of a mess of the planet but it works.

[John99]

Hi Smiley guy
Had the problem a few years ago if I remember right mixed some cement into the sand then sweep it into the paver's and then used a mist spray on the hose.

[Landseka]

Try a product called Coopex, or Coopers, can't quite remember which. It is in Bunnings pest control section.

A sachet of it mixes up in 5L of water & spray it around your pavers, problem gone.

You can also spray it around the walls & floor of your BBQ / Pergola area & flies & cockroaches will head for the neighbours house rapidly.

The pack says it has a residual effect for up to 3 months.

Regards

Neil.