How to Keep Ants Out of Your Home
According to a survey by Consumer Affairs, ants are the most common household pest in the United States, affecting both homeowners and renters. Ants invade homes in search of food and water and can quickly become a nuisance if the issue isn't addressed by an extermination company. While ants are not known to carry diseases, they can contaminate food and cause other problems in the home. To help you avoid an ant infestation, here are four tips to help you keep them out of your home.
1. Seal Up Cracks and Crevices
Ants can enter your home through the smallest of openings. To stop them from getting in, seal up any cracks or crevices around your home, both inside and out. Check for gaps around windows, doors, baseboards, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, and more. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal up these openings. In addition to sealing up cracks and crevices, you should also ensure that your doors and windows fit snugly in their frames.
2. Keep Your Home Clean
A clean home is less likely to attract ants. Be sure to wipe up spills immediately, vacuum regularly, and keep food stored in airtight containers. Ants are attracted to sweet foods, so be especially diligent about cleaning up any crumbs or sticky spots. In addition to keeping your home clean, you should also make sure to keep your trash cans clean and closed.
3. Use Ant Baits
If you already have ants in your home, ant baits can be an effective way to get rid of them. Ant baits contain a slow-acting poison that the ants take back to their nest. This poison will eventually kill the entire colony. When using ant baits, be sure to place them where children and pets cannot reach them.
4. Call an Extermination Company
If you have an ant problem you cannot get rid of on your own, you may need to call in a professional. A qualified extermination company will be able to identify the type of ants in your home and determine the best course of treatment. Some of the common methods of ant extermination include baiting, spraying, and dusting. They will also be able to provide you with tips to prevent future infestations.
As you have seen, there are both preventive and reactive measures you can take to keep ants out of your home. By taking these steps, you can avoid an ant infestation and enjoy a pest-free home. If you find yourself with an ant problem, don't hesitate to call Colwell Termite & Pest Control for help today!
Share On: