Ant infestation in client home

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

We have just finished some painting in a client home which has the worst ant infestation I have ever seen. This is a very tony one million-plus beautiful home and we are very excited to work on this project. The ants are so bad that they have gotten stuck in some of our trim paint and on cabinets where we are doing a custom refinish job. The work will need to be redone.

I have broached the topic with the homeowner who says she has a well-known company that does pest control monthly and does not seem to realize how bad this issue is. She has a few homes and will not be on site until after the work is complete. I have sent images but she is not seeing the seriousness of the issue. I suspect that her company is not being as diligent as possible because she is not there full time.

Has anyone got tips to help with this? Should we call a company on our own and pay for a perimeter spray and roll it into our costs? Any hacks to get rid of ants?

Featured Answer

millworkman

6 years ago

That is awful advice. You never spray a chemical, natural or not in a customers home without their knowledge and or consent. Only so much you can do I would strongly stress the issue. Send them an email, read receipt, stating you are very concerned about the ant infestation and that you will not be responsible for ants being stuck in the finish.

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Comments (11)

Sammy
6 years ago
Not only is pest control not your job, the lack there of is interfering with your job. Tell your client that the painting will resume once the ant problem is taken care of—either by you or her. You’re just going to have to be insistent on this one.
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Sammy
6 years ago
I have sent images but she is not seeing the seriousness of the issue.

May we see those pictures?
cat_ky
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I agree, please do not spray someone elses home. That is awful advice. Call her and ask her to have her pest control company stop by, and then you can explain it all to them. Let them handle it. If she doesnt do this, then, I would tell her all painting will stop, until the ant problem is taken care of. It reflects on you and your business, so you want your work perfect, with no ants stuck in it.
PRO
Greta Interiors
Original Author
6 years ago
@Sammy we can't share any photos of a client space without permission and I am certain that if I said we wanted to share bumpy ant covered trim photos this client would not be on board :)

We have a Zoom pending this afternoon and will discuss the additional work needed and potential delays or stoppage unless the situation is remedied. Trying now to ensure that no one is eating on site or leaving anything behind that may exacerbate the situation.
Barbara Clements
6 years ago
Set up some Terro traps. They will need to be near where the ants are, but hopefully you can put it on a counter away from you your work area. Wait overnight. If the ants like the bait (there are a few who don't like Terro) you can take pictures of the hoards of ants streaming to and from the traps. No spraying involved.
krissie55
6 years ago
Roach Proof or Boric Acid mixed with honey in a lid put in ant path will slow down and get rid of the ants.
anna_682
6 years ago
Borax mixed with peanut butter. You will see a trail of ants for a couple of days and then they will be gone for good.
millworkman
6 years ago
Its a client's home. You people are all missing the fact that it is not her place as a painter or any type of contractor to treat pests without the homeowners permission. Period.
krissie55
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The poster asked for "any hacks to get rid of ants?" We provided hacks..
SANDY Oneill
6 years ago
I went to pharmacy and bought boric acid. Looks like a white powder and cheap. Sprinkle it in cracks and in corners, behind fridge and oven. They will vanish in a few days.