Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Treated Area | Spacing | Stations | Refills | Total Bait (g) | Packs (50g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small raised beds | 12 m² | 2.0 m | 3 | 3 | 29.7 | 1 |
| Patio edges | 30 m² | 2.5 m | 5 | 4 | 132.0 | 3 |
| Compost corner | 8 m² | 1.5 m | 4 | 3 | 79.2 | 2 |
| Full garden run | 60 m² | 3.0 m | 7 | 5 | 385.0 | 8 |
These are examples. Your results depend on bait style, level, and schedule.
Formula Used
- Refills = ceil(Duration ÷ Refill Interval)
- Packs = ceil(Total(g) ÷ Pack Size(g))
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose units, then enter your treated area.
- Select auto spacing or enter your station count.
- Pick bait style and infestation level for portion size.
- Set refill interval and treatment duration for your plan.
- Add a waste factor to cover losses and disturbances.
- Click Calculate to see totals and packs to buy.
- Use CSV or PDF buttons to save your results.
Tip: Keep bait away from children, pets, and pollinator plants.
Trail-focused placement for faster feeding
Ant bait performs best when placed on active routes. Define the treated area as the zone where you can protect stations from sprinklers and direct heat. In gardens, paver edges, raised-bed rims, compost corners, and planter stands often concentrate traffic. Use spacing mode for broad coverage, then relocate a few stations to the strongest trails after your first check. Mark stations on a sketch to simplify refills later.
Portion size varies by formulation
Gel and protein baits are usually applied in smaller portions, while granules and liquids may need larger volumes to stay available. This calculator assigns a base grams-per-station value by bait style and scales it with infestation level. The goal is continuous access without excess material that spoils, dries, or attracts non-target insects. If bait dries fast, shorten the refill interval instead.
Refill planning supports colony-level control
Baiting works over time as workers carry food back to queens and larvae. Refills use a ceiling rule, so partial cycles still count. A 21‑day plan with a 7‑day interval equals three refills. If activity remains high, extend duration rather than doubling portions. If activity drops sharply, keep stations present with smaller refills for one more cycle.
Waste factor reflects outdoor losses
Outdoor bait can be lost to rain, irrigation, dust, pets, and disturbance. The waste factor increases totals so you can keep stations stocked even when some bait becomes unusable. Increase waste for exposed paths, and reduce it for sheltered areas like sheds or covered patios. Sanitation lowers demand by removing spilled seed, fallen fruit, and greasy residues near grills.
Monitoring improves efficiency and safety
Use the CSV or PDF export to log station count, refills, and total grams used. Re-check on each refill day, note where feeding is strongest, and concentrate stations there while keeping perimeter coverage. Avoid repellent sprays near bait because they reduce feeding. Store spare bait sealed. When children or pets are present, use secured stations and place them behind barriers.
FAQs
1) How do I choose a good station spacing?
Start with 1.5–3.0 meters in open beds. Use tighter spacing near heavy trails or compost. If you already know station locations, choose manual mode and enter your station count.
2) What infestation level should I select?
Low fits occasional sightings. Medium fits daily trails in one zone. High fits multiple active trails or frequent mound activity. If unsure, select medium and increase the waste factor slightly.
3) Can I use this for pots and planters?
Yes. Estimate the combined area where stations will sit around pots or benches. For clustered containers, manual station count is usually more accurate than spacing-based estimates.
4) Why does the calculator round refills up?
Rounding up prevents under-buying. If duration is not perfectly divisible by your interval, you still need bait for the final partial cycle to maintain feeding continuity.
5) Should I raise the waste factor in wet weather?
Often yes. Rain and irrigation can dilute bait and move granules. Use covered stations when possible, and raise waste factor to keep enough bait between checks.
6) Is it safe to place more bait than needed?
More is not always better. Excess can spoil, attract non-targets, and increase exposure risk. Aim for consistent availability with correct portions, secured stations, and timely refills.