Although boric acid is of very low toxicity, it is best to place bait jars where children and pets cannot reach them. Some stores carrying yard and garden supplies can also order these products. A disadvantage of commercial baits is you can not adjust the amount of boric acid if necessary. Another method of ant control is to spread carbaryl granules labeled for ants in the infested area. To minimize damage to non-target organisms, place the granules where children, birds, pets, and wildlife cannot get them.
Carbaryl baits are toxic to many beneficial insects as well.
Commercial ant insecticides such as chlorpyrifos and diazinon can also be used. Remember that these insecticides are of higher toxicity and will kill other organisms, including beneficial insects, while remaining in the environment for longer periods of time. When using any insecticide, natural or synthetic, read and follow all label instructions. Repeated floodings with a garden hose is said to encourage certain species of ants to pick up and move the colony. This method works for some ant species but not others.