Asked on Feb 25, 2018

How to get rid of ants that are coming up thru paver stones?

Bam12162746
by Bam12162746
We are in Florida and the ants are burrowing into the sand between the paver stones inside of our lanai. We also have a cat that goes out there so I would need to use something that is cat safe.

  15 answers
  • Earlene Earlene on Feb 25, 2018

    In a blender, mix borax and sugar. Put this in the cracks around your pavers. The ants will eat the sugar and the borax will kill them. Keep kitty away for a few days then water the borax mixture in thoroughly.

  • Nancy Turner Nancy Turner on Feb 25, 2018

    Use the boxed cornmeal mix that has sugar in it, sprinkle it on the sand where they come out between the pavers. They can't digest it and they die. They also take it back to the mound and it kills anyone that eats it, they like the sweetness of the ones that have the sugar. If you can find the mounds outside, put it on the mounds also. This is pet safe, so the kitty can lounge out in the lanai with you.

  • Pam1418628 Pam1418628 on Feb 25, 2018

    Like my Mother before me, I still boil a teapot of water and pour it directly into the top of the anthills. It works, it's cheap and it is environment and pet friendly. Make sure you pour enough in them. You would not believe how large and intricate they can be. Hope it works for you.

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 25, 2018

    I use non-toxic stuff in my home for ants.... its either Victors, EcoSmart and I just got a new one EcoLogic that kills on contact. The new one is Lemongrass oil. I have also used the Command ant pucks that kills the colony that is toxic. You can also use borax that won't hurt kitty.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Feb 25, 2018

    Use food grade diatomeous earth

  • Lady Anne Lady Anne on Feb 25, 2018

    Try baking soda, mixed with a bit of sugar. The sugar will draw them, but the baking soda will mix with their gastric juices and kill them.


    The best commercial ant bait is "Terro"; it is the strongest thing you can buy without a license. It is a clear or light amber liquid, which you put on small pieces of cardboard (cereal box) and place near their hills (or close to the entry point if they are in your house) and just wait. There will be more ants than you ever thought possible, and you will wonder what on EARTH I got I got you into. They will take the poison back to the nest and within a few days the ants will be gone. Not all stores carry it. Don't let the clerk tell you "this is just as good". Get Terro.


    Gosh, I sound as if I get a kickback on the stuff! I don't.

  • I've tried the cornmeal or Borax and sugar method in the house and it works, but outside, I've used a hose or hot water and that works, too. I had to do it several days in row before they got the hint, and honestly, I have to do it at the beginning of every season, but it's better than chemicals for me.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Jun 16, 2021

    In a blender, mix borax and sugar. Put this in the cracks around your pavers. The ants will eat the sugar and the borax will kill them. Keep kitty away for a few days then water the borax mixture in thoroughly.

  • Annie Annie on Jun 16, 2021

    The "Terro" brand of ant killer works great, give that a try!

  • Put down a few drops of Terro. They'll take it back to the nest and that will be the end of them.

  • Maura White Maura White on Jun 17, 2021

    Try spraying this stuff next to or under the pavers: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/pest-repeller/cheap-easy-homemade-ant-spray-31195184

    2 cups of vinegar, distilled

    2 cups of water

    3 tablespoon blue Dawn dishwashing liquid

    3 tablespoons table salt is the mixture

  • Terro liquid bait traps are little miracles for indoors. For outdoors, diatomaceous earth works near instantly, it's all natural, and pet safe.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 17, 2021

    Hi, Use Boiling water from the kettle!

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Jul 17, 2021

    In a blender, mix borax and sugar. Put this in the cracks around your pavers. The ants will eat the sugar and the borax will kill them. Keep kitty away for a few days then water the borax mixture in thoroughly.