for outdoor, do you apply this product on the ground directly (allow exposure to sunlight)? is it easy to clean up the poison afterward?

Yes it can be applied inside and outside, sunlight not an issue, should get picked up pretty quickly, but yes easy to clean, do not over apply.

Is this sweet or protein based bait?

It is Protein. It is highly recommended to also use Maxforce FC Carpenter Bait Gel which is a sugar bait. You should always give ants a choice as they may be in the mood for either a protein (granule) or a sugar (gel) bait.

Been putting it out - they are carrying it away from the nest, why?

They wouldn't carry it away from the nest. They would take it to the nest. Otherwise they wouldn't touch it.

How much surface area will this cover when used to cover the perimeter of a house?

I used it in small amounts all around, not in a perimeter line. I still have some left. I guess you can make 5 inches lines all around or something similar. Good luck.