So far, my luck this year with bee swarms hasn't been the best, 1 little one, better then nothing, but nothing like last year's. But, I have been successful at trapping ants, the big, black, nasty ones! And I can't seem to get rid of them, either. We have pulled the hive all apart sweeping out every ant, used cinnamon in a big circle around it, and eggs shells and they aren't bothered by any of it. I really don't want to go to ant traps and I don't think the property owner would like it either, but I am on the verge of pulling the trap even though I don't think this bee tree has swarmed yet.
Maybe try those little ant hotels. i forget what they're called. Those little black circle thingies. Maybe they think they're bees. They are of the same Order.
Mix Boraxo and sugar in equal parts. Place it near the hive where the ants can get to it, but not the bees. Protect it from the rain. They will carry it back to their nest and not return.
