Ants may seem like unnoticeable guests because they move quickly and are so small. But the charm goes away quickly when a few scouts turn into an attack. Ant infestations are hard to deal with for homes because they require more than just swatting at the odd invader. Let’s look at a complete guide on how to understand, stop, and get rid of ant problems in your home.
Getting to Know the Intruders: A Quick Look at the Ant Species
There are many kinds of ants, and each one has its own habits and traits. To get rid of ants effectively, you need to know what kind of ants are in your home. Pavement ants, carpenter ants, pharaoh ants, and citronella ants are some of the most common pests. Figuring out the species helps you adapt your method to their habits and weak spots.
Ant Trails: The Not-So-Visible Ways to Get Around
Ants are known for taking well-worn paths, or “invisible highways,” that lead them to food. Other ants can follow these tracks, which are often marked with pheromones, to find the food. As a homeowner, finding these trails is important to stop the ants from setting up a stable home and messing up their organized foraging.
Ants often get in through these places:
Ants can get into your home through any opening, no matter how well it is covered. Cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and holes around utility lines are all common places for thieves to get in. The best way to keep ants out is to check these entry points often and fix any gaps you find.
Ant Magnets: Figuring Out What Draws Them In
Ants don’t just come in randomly; there are specific things that draw them in. Finding these attractants is very important for keeping pests away. Some common attractants are:
Ants can be drawn to even the smallest bits or spills of food. To get rid of possible food sources, keep the floors, countertops, and pantry places very clean.
Moisture: Ants, especially some species like carpenter ants, like places that are damp. Fixing leaks and making sure there is enough air flow can help lower the draw of moisture.
Ants love pet food bowls, so if you have pets, keep an eye out for them. Clean the area where your pet eats on a regular basis, and think about putting bowls on stands to make a barrier.
Steps to take to stop ants: making your home ant-proof
To stop ant attacks, you need to be proactive and deal with both attractants and entry points:
- Sealing Entry Points: Check your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, and other openings on a regular basis and close any that could be used as entry points.
- How to Store Food Correctly: Keep food in containers that keep air out, and clean up any spills or crumbs right away. This makes it hard for ants to get to food sources.
- Cleaning on a Regular Basis: Clean and germ-free your living areas on a regular basis. Pay close attention to places like kitchens and eating rooms that tend to get food on them.
- Thoughts on Landscaping: Keep a clear space between plants and your house. Ant roads can be made of overhanging branches or plants that touch your building.
When avoiding pests isn’t enough, you need professional pest control.
No matter how hard you try to keep them out, ant infestations can still happen. In these situations, it’s very important to get professional pest control help. Professionals in pest control not only figure out what kind of ants are bothering you, but they also use focused treatments to get rid of nests, block trails, and give you long-term relief.
Ant-Friendly Landscaping: A Natural Way to Keep Them Away
The way you landscape can either attract or keep ants away. Choose plants that keep ants away, like mint, basil, or lavender, for places close to your home. Ants don’t like the smells that these plants give off.
In the end: How to Take Charge of Your Ant Battle
A homeowner’s guide to ant outbreaks in homes is a way to protect yourself before they happen. You can take back your home from ants by learning about the pests, sealing off entry points, getting rid of things that ants like, and getting professional help if you need to. Keeping your home clean and well-sealed not only stops current problems but also keeps ants away in the future.
The team at ant control Port Perry are licensed and insured exterminators who have multiple years of experience in the pest control field and can take on any type of infestation regardless of the scope and severity of the ant infestation. We combat the ants with commercial-grade low-mammalian toxicity pesticides that have long-lasting residual effects that will impact the population soon as ants walk on the treatment.