Dealing with lots of ants

Q: What should I do about a massive ant infestation in the century-old log livingroom of my house? I even have ants coming out of the plug outlets. They’ve set up shop between an aging masonry foundation and the logs.

A: Insecticides scare me, and that's why I try not to use or recommend them. But in cases like yours, I don't know of any alternative. In fact, it's possible that critical damage has already occurred to your home. This situation requires immediate attention. The main thing to understand is that this is a complicated problem that requires special skills to solve. You'll need more than a can of bug spray to fix the matter. I'd start by contacting three licensed pest control firms, asking for treatment options, costs and references. Be sure to check these references, too. This is the only reliable way to verify the skill and professionalism of the people you're considering. Also, before you go ahead with any insecticide treatment, arrange to have the structure opened up and inspected. Your main concern is whether or not this section of your home is salvageable. Better to find that out before you've invested the time, money and chemical exposure to get rid of the ants.