To apply the Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel, first gently unscrew the solid black tip of the tube you would like to use. Replace this tip with one of the clear, reusable tips included with your order. Use either a bait gun or the included plastic plunger to gently expel the gel from the tube, similar to using a syringe. (You may need to pull back gently on the plunger to prevent over-application.) We recommend shaking the tube vigorously before application due to the high moisture content in this bait.
Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel is specially formulated for carpenter ants. We would recommend using Maxforce FC Ant Bait Gel for any other type of ant you are treating for. We would not recommend any products, such as Talstar P, in areas where there is bait. It will contaminate the bait so that the ants will not consume it. Please see our Ant Pest Guide for additional information and tips about treating for ants inside and outside your home.
No, Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel is not labeled to eliminate hornets; this product is only labeled for carpenter ants. A better option for nests that are on or within one foot of the structure would be Taurus SC. This has the same active ingredient as Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel and will eliminate hornets, as well as other insects. The rate is 0.8 fl oz per gallon of water. Be sure to apply the product in areas where you have seen activity so that they come in contact with the treated area. This product is a non-repellent so they will not know they are coming in contact with the treated area.
Per manufacturer, Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel will last for up to 2 years unopened. This would include if you kept it refrigerated or not. 1 year shelf life after opening.
Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel would only be applied in areas where you have seen activity from ants, it would not be applied in cracks in floors that you are sealing as that could limit the access to it. Instead we would just recommend continuing to place in the areas you are seeing them for as long as they are taking the bait. Keep in mind it can take up to 30 days or more to kill a colony of carpenter ants depending on the size of the colony and how many colonies you are actually dealing with.
The cap that comes on the tube of Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel is removed (twisting off the syringe) for application and then you can place back when finished and store in a cool, dry place (away from extreme temperatures). It should be applied once every two weeks (cleaning up previous bait placements). The plastic plunger is applied in the back of the tube to disperse the product from the syringe. I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you need anything else.
No, Maxforce Carpenter Ant Bait Gel cannot be used to treat carpenter bees as it is only labeled for carpenter ants and other listed ants.