Ants are one of the most common pests that people find in their homes, and it can be hard to get rid of them once they get inside. Even though they are small, they are very persistent and there are a lot of them, which can make them a tough enemy. But if people take the right steps, they can successfully “ant-proof” their homes and keep these pesky pests out.
How to Understand the Ant Threat:
Before looking into ways to keep ants out, it’s important to understand the problems that these pests cause. There are thousands of kinds of ants in the world, but odorous house ants, pavement ants, and carpenter ants are the ones that usually get into homes. Know this:
- These are small, brown or black ants called “odorous house ants.” When they are crushed, they give off a strong, unpleasant smell. They often hang out in kitchens looking for sweet or greasy foods.
- Pavement Ants: These ants are small and dark brown to black. They usually build their nests outside, but they will come inside to find food.
- Carpenter Ants: These ants are bigger and black. They build their nests in wood and can damage homes’ structures. They tend to stay inside in large groups that have been there for a while.
Strategies for keeping ants out:
- Keep your home clean. Ants are drawn to food sources, so keeping your home clean is the best way to keep them away. Clean the counters and floors often, and clean up spills right away.
- How to Store Food Correctly: To store food, especially sweets like sugar, honey, and other sweets, buy containers that keep air out. Food for pets should also be kept in packages that can’t be opened.
- Ants can get into your home through small cracks and holes in the outside. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal these entry places and keep them out.
- Keep your yard clean. Cut back trees and bushes that are close to your house to get rid of possible ant paths. Ants use twigs to get around the defences around your home.
- Ant baits and traps: Ant baits can work to keep ants out of your walls and floors. Put these baits near where the ants can get in and along their tracks. Ant traps can also catch ants that are moving around.
- Regular Checks: Have your home checked over on a regular basis for signs of ant activity. If you catch a small problem early, it can be stopped before it grows into a big infestation.
- Professional Pest Control: If your ant problem keeps getting worse despite your best efforts, you might want to hire a professional pest control service. They know how to solve the problem and have the right tools to do it.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Help:
Homeowners who don’t want to use chemicals can get rid of pests in a number of successful ways, including:
- Diatomaceous Earth: This natural material is poisonous to bugs but not to people or animals. Spread it out in places where ants are busy.
- Vinegar: A mixture of vinegar and water can help keep ants away. Spray it along paths and gates
- As for cinnamon, ants don’t like the way it smells. Spread it around places where ants like to live to keep them away.
- Lemon: Ant trails get messed up by the acidity of lemons. Squeeze lemon juice or put lemon peels near where people are coming in.
- Peppermint Oil: To get rid of ants, mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and put it on.
Remember that keeping ants out of your home is an ongoing process. Stay alert even after you’ve gotten rid of an issue. Ants are stubborn, and they can come back even if you keep trying to keep them away. By being cautious and using these tips, you can keep your home free of ants and other pests.
Ant Control Newmarket, we are well aware of all the risks associated with ants. However, when it comes to ant trouble, no infestation is too big for us. Our technicians are fully licensed and insure and know everything there is to know about ants, right from identifying the species to the proper process of exterminating them.