Ant colonies make up one of the most common pest infestations in the United States. With more than 12,000 species alone in the U.S., it’s no surprise so many people deal with ant infestations in their homes, office spaces and even vehicles.
However, homeowners can take some simple steps to reduce their risk of unintentionally inviting ants into their homes. If you have been dealing with an ant infestation but haven’t been able to curb the issue, you’ve come to the right place. The best solution will always be to work with a professional pest control company. However, if you do not have the means to do so, we’ve compiled a list of a few tips and tricks to get rid of ants in your home or space.
Here are some of the ways you can avoid an ant infestation:
- Set Traps in Popular Spots
- Eliminate Open Sources of Water
- Avoid Leaving out Food
- Clean up Pet Areas
- Seal up Access Points
Set Traps in Popular Spots
As ants are often driven by the need for food, it’s probably not surprising to hear that these pests most frequently infest kitchen spaces. Full of food, water, and easily accessible nutrients, your kitchen has everything an ant colony would need to survive. However, ants are also known to frequent bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, basements, inside walls, and in/around air conditioning and heating units.
As these spaces are often moist or the best place for an ant to travel to a space where food and water is prevalent, you’re bound to find these pests all over your home. When you first notice a large amount of ants, you’ll want to ensure you place basic traps in those spaces immediately. If the problems persist, a pest control company can handle the infestation for you.
Eliminate Open Sources of Water
As we said earlier, ants are drawn to food sources, water sources, and any area that can get them to a source of nutrients. When it comes to your home or space, reducing moisture and standing water can go a long way to help prevent ants.
Be sure to repair leaky pipes, routinely check under sinks for areas of moisture, and avoid leaving out standing cups of water. If your basement, crawl space, or attic is damp, consider using a dehumidifier. Be sure that gutters and downspouts are functioning properly so that water flows away from the foundation of your home or building.
Contact Certified Pest Control to tackle your ant or other pest control needs today!
Avoid Leaving out Food
Keeping your kitchen tidy by cleaning up after yourself and not leaving food or water out is another useful tool to help to mitigate ant infestations and discourage pests from coming indoors. To prevent crumbs and residue from spills, don’t forget to wipe down countertops and sweep floors regularly.
Food should be stored in pest-proof containers, and ripe fruit should be refrigerated. Sticky jars should be wiped down, especially those containing honey, syrup, soda, or other sweets. Last but not least, keep trash cans covered and dispose of garbage regularly. If these tips and tricks don’t seem to get the job done, contact your local pest control company.
Clean up Pet Areas
As pets bring in pests on their fur from outside, it is possible that cats, dogs, and other pets can accidentally invite ants into your home. The same applies to their food and water bowls, so keep pet bowls clean and clean up spilled food and water immediately. Consider storing dry pet food in a sealed plastic container rather than in paper bags, which ants and other pests can easily access. And finally, make sure to properly seal up pet entrance doors as ants can fit through even the tiniest openings.
Seal up Access Points
If you are still dealing with a large ant infestation problem, it may be time to inspect the outside of your home for easy access points. In order to prevent ants from entering the home, trees and shrubs should be trimmed away from the house.
You will also want to seal any cracks and crevices on the outside of your building or home with silicone caulk. Be sure to pay special attention to areas where utility pipes enter. And, as always, a pest control company can take care of the issue for you to ensure long lasting protection against pests.
Why Choose Certified Pest Control?
Here at Certified Pest Control, our focus is on the needs and quality of your family life, to keep you protected and pest free, and to provide the best pest control in Nashville, while still providing that small family business charm.
- We are fully licensed, bonded and insured
- Our highly qualified staff is constantly being taught and trained about the newest, and safest methods to keep your home pest free
- We follow all rules and regulations to make sure our treatments are safe for you, your family, and your pets
- We guarantee our work. If pests return between quarterly services, just call and we will be back at no cost
