Diverse News 2007®

		Combat® brand baits and gels are a perfect solution to any ant infestation problem, providing long-term relief with minimal work. (PRNewsFoto/Combat® brand pest control) SCOTTSDALE, AZ UNITED STATES 05/24/2007

--Tips to prevent and eliminate ants from the experts at Combat®-- SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- A common warm weather problem is reappearing as we head into nicer spring and summer weather - ants. Ants are cold-blooded creatures, which means their level of activity depends on the temperature. So as the weather heats up, people can expect to see a flurry of ants. Combat® brand's entomologist (bug scientist) has determined the two main reasons ants enter the home. During the driest months, there may not be enough food and water outdoors. This will drive the ants in looking for materials to feed the colony. The second reason ants enter the home is due to rain. The rainwater can flood out their natural environment and the ants then scurry to find dry ground. While the weather and environment can't be controlled, there are a few steps from Combat's pest experts to lessen the invasion. -- Many ants enter the home via tiny gaps between the wall and utility lines, around windows, and other little holes and cracks around the home. A little caulk around these areas will make a big difference. -- Keep vegetation about one foot away from the home, and avoid placing mulch close to the structure. Ants climb bushes and trees and will make their way from these into your home. Mulch is an attractive nesting spot for ants. -- Fix water leaks, and insulate cold pipes and appliances on which condensation develops. The most important thing in an ant's life is water and they will readily enter your home to get it. -- Don't over water houseplants. If the tray at the bottom of the plant fills up, empty it out. -- Leave pet food out only at feeding time, and store the food in plastic airtight containers. Prevention steps are often very effective, but in the event that ants are still entering the home, there are steps that can be taken to eliminate the problem. Sprays are temporarily effective, but getting to the root of the problem requires a long-term solution. For best results, place Combat® baits or gels in areas where you see or have seen ants. The ants will take the bait and carry it back to the colony and pass it on to other ants, thereby killing the brood, the queen, and the entire colony. There will be noticeably fewer ants in days. All Combat products are guaranteed to work or your money back. For more information about pest prevention and control strategies, visit http://www.combatbugs.com. Combat® products retail from $2.49 to $14.99 and are available at most major retailers. For more than 130 years, Henkel has been a leader with brands and technologies that make people's lives easier, better and more beautiful. Henkel operates in three business areas - Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesives Technologies - and ranks among the Fortune Global 500 companies. In fiscal 2006, Henkel generated sales of 12.740 billion euros and operating profit of 1,298 million euros. Our 52,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to fulfilling our corporate claim, "A Brand like a Friend," and ensuring that people in more than 125 countries can trust in brands and technologies from Henkel. Interesting Facts About Those Six-Legged Pests -- Without a queen ant, the colony cannot survive. -- The queen orders directives by emitting odors that tell the ants what to do. -- Ants rely on scent for almost all of their communications. -- An ant can lift 20 times its own body weight, and ants work in teams to lift heavy items. -- The average life expectancy of an ant is 45-60 days; however, a queen will live for several years. -- An ant has two stomachs-one for itself and one to store food to take back to the colony -- There are more than 12,000 species of ants. -- An ant colony contains only female ants. -- The males die shortly after reproduction. -- During the winter, ants can slow their metabolism to survive without eating for months. -- Keep children and pets away from red ants' nests because the red ants will attack. -- Carpenter ant colonies usually have multiple nests. The main nest is usually located outdoors, even though they're known for burrowing in structures. From the Combat® brand laboratories