Your Guide to an Ant Free Home

Ants are one of the most common household pests that are especially adept at sneaking into homes. While finding a parade of ants trekking through your kitchen is undoubtedly distressing, eliminating and preventing future infestations is relatively simple. Our guide offers seven practical tips that will help safeguard your home, as well as signs it is time to contact a pest management professional.

1. Seal the Entry Points

Ants are incredible at finding their way inside your home through the tiniest of openings. A minuscule crack or a poorly sealed window could be their gateway into your living space. It is critical, therefore, to inspect your home thoroughly and seal any potential entry points with caulk or weather stripping. Pay special attention to doors, windows, electrical outlets, and any holes or crevices in walls.

2. Keep a Clean House

Maintaining a clean home is an important strategy to prevent an ant infestation. Ants are searching for food, particularly sweet and sticky substances. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and store food in airtight containers to eliminate potential food sources. Ensure that there are no crumbs on the floor and that your pantry is organized and free of open packages. In addition to disrupting ant trails, regular cleaning removes potential attractants – lowering the possibility of an infestation.

3. Eliminate Attractants

Knowing the types of fuel sources ants are attracted to is just as important as regular cleaning. Pay particular attention to the following attractants: 

• Pet Food: Although it is convenient, don’t leave pet food out for prolonged periods.

• Moisture: Ants are also attracted to moisture. Regularly check and fix leaks to eliminate water sources.

• Trash: Keep trash cans tightly sealed and empty them regularly.

By creating an environment that is naturally repellant to ants, you’re less likely to find them scouting for opportunities in your home.

4. Deploy Natural Deterrents

There are several natural substances that are effective ant-repellents. Common household items such as white vinegar, cinnamon, peppermint, and citrus oils are potent at deterring early scouting parties. These can be used to create repellent barriers or as spray to disrupt ant trails. While they may not ‘kill’ ants, they can be effective at preventing them from entering your home.

5. Engage in Outdoor Pest Control

Your yard and the area directly around your home plays a significant role in preventing an infestation. In addition to sealing entry points, removing yard waste, keeping outdoor trash sealed, and eliminating standing water are effective ways to deter ants. Ant hills that are close to your home should be treated directly as an additional preventive measure. Be Sure to trim tree branches and shrubbery away from your home to prevent branches from becoming highways for ants.

6. Be Prepared

Ants are persistent, and no household is 100% immune to them. The key is to be observant, as well as prepared to act quickly. If you notice a trail of ants, locate their entry point, seal it, and treat it with a natural or commercial deterrent. This can help prevent the recruitment of more ants, as they communicate with each other through pheromones. 

7. Resist the Urge to Squash

Squashing a single ant may be satisfying, but it can be counter productive. Ants can detect danger, and when they perceive a threat, they will adjust their patterns and behavior to avoid it. Squashing an ant alerts the colony to potential risks, leading to changes in their invasion strategy. Instead, use a deterrent, which is often more effective in the long run.

Signs You Need Professional Pest Control

Although the tips mentioned are effective, there are times when assistance from a pest professional is necessary. Some signs that you may need professional pest control services include:

• Recurring Infestations Not properly detecting or sealing where the ants are located will only lead to more problems in the future.

• Diverse Species Presence: Different ant species require different control methods. If you’re dealing with multiple species, a professional can help identify the most effective treatment for each type.

• Structural Damage: Certain ant species, like carpenter ants, can cause significant damage to your home. If you see signs of structural damage, contact an expert who can properly assess the situation and recommend a solution.

• Pest Identification: Repellants are only effective when treating the pest they are intended for. You will save time and money by working with a pest management professional who can quickly identify the pest and provide an effective solution. 

If you are having difficulty treating ants in your home, you may want to consider contact your local pest control company. They have the expertise, tools, and strategies to manage more severe infestations safely and effectively.

Make Your Move Against Ants Today

Following the tips provided in this guide can significantly reduce the chances of ants invading your home. For a customized approach to an ant or other pest problem, contact a professional pest control provider. They can provide strategies that will help you protect your home and family from pests.

Depending on the entry point, shouldn’t we recommend that homeowners also seal the entry point in addition to treating with a deterrent?

Should we also include entry points that are either undetected and/or not properly sealed?