Any advice on outdoor ants (big ones)

We seem to have an inordinate amount of large ants in our yard. I've remedied the ones that sneak inside but how do I enjoy my patio? We have a few large oak trees, I suspect they are part of the problem. Does anyone know how to treat for ants outside around the patio or trees? I have small kids so preferably not something toxic. TIA

Re: Any advice on outdoor ants (big ones)

I know this isn't a real solution, but we used to put a paper plate with some jelly on it in a coner of the patio. Then all the ants went over to that for the sweet smell and stayed away from where we were eating.