if you don't want to use a systemic - then i use the hose on a daily basis and look to get rid of any ants nearby.

What is a systemic? Hose daily isn't working there is sooo many and they're like stuck on, have not seen any ants near them

one of the long term pesticides such as bayer 3 in one. theywork but are not good for our bee population. for sprays, you could try things like neem oil ( during low sun)

try diatomaceous earth. You can find it in feed stores and it's all natural. It is a fine powder made from microscopic sea shell animal. It causes many microscopic lacerations on the bugs and they dehydrate and die. It's all I use any more, but it will harm beneficial insects as well.