Baits by themselves will not usually control pavement ants; also employ other tactics.

• Both sweet baits such as boric acid (low concentrations with less than 1% active ingredient) and protein baits (products containing fipronil or hydramethylnon) are attractive to pavement ants.
• Place baits near trails and other locations where ants are likely to encounter them.
• Place baits outdoors; avoid indoor baiting as that may attract more ants into the home.
• Place in protected areas inaccessible to children and pets.
• Offer small portions of each bait to see which one is preferred before employing an extensive baiting program.
• Follow up regularly to make sure bait is working and place fresh bait as necessary.
• If treating colonies in heat ducts, treat only with baits.

How baits work

• Worker ants will be attracted to the bait and take it back to the nest where the entire colony, including queens, may be killed.
• Bait must be slow-acting so workers won't be killed before they get back to the nest.
• Results may not be evident for several weeks.
• Killing workers does little to control the colony, because as few as 1% of a colony's foraging worker ants are able to provide sufficient food to support nestbound queens and larvae.
• Bait stations or ant stakes are easiest to use and safest for the environment.