Summer is here! And so is ant season. Ants are known for invading homes during the warmer months. They’re notorious for not only being a nuisance, but also contaminating food and causing structural damage. Ant invasions can be challenging to deal with, particularly if you’re dealing with a large population. However, prevention efforts are the best way to keep them out of your home. In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips to help you keep ants outside where they belong.
Find and Seal Entry Points
Ants can enter through even the tiniest cracks and openings of your home. That’s why it’s essential to inspect your home for possible entry points. Start by going outside and looking for any cracks in the foundation of your house. Then, inspect all windows and doors for any openings. If you find any cracks, seal them with caulk, putty, or weather stripping.
Keep Your Home Clean and Dry
Ants are attracted to food and water, so taking away their sources of attraction is vital. Make sure to wipe down counters and tables thoroughly, put away any open food, and keep your garbage outside in a sealed container. Ensure that there are no standing water sources inside your home. Fix any leaks and minimize moisture build-up in your bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry area.
Use Natural Ant Deterrents
If you want to keep ants away from your home without using harsh chemicals, there are plenty of safe, natural ant deterrents. Essential oils like peppermint, clove, and eucalyptus can keep ants from coming into your home. You can also keep ants out of your kitchen by sprinkling cinnamon, black pepper, or cayenne pepper on areas where ants tend to enter.
Hire a Professional Pest Control Service
Dealing with an ant infestation can be daunting, and sometimes it’s better to leave it to the professionals. Hiring a pest control service can save you the hassle of dealing with ants yourself. Pest control professionals can inspect your home, determine the type of ants, and use safe and effective methods to manage the infestation.
Remove Outdoor Attractants
Sometimes the most significant problem with ants comes from outside your home. When you have an outdoor picnic or cookout, be sure to keep food containers sealed and wipe down outdoor surfaces afterward. Watering plants and trees near your home is another common way for ants to get in. Make sure to keep foliage trimmed at least 18 inches from your home’s foundation and fix any soil or drainage problems in your yard.
There’s no denying that ants can be a pain to deal with, but by following these tips, you can keep ant problems outside where they belong. Remember, prevention is always the best course of action when it comes to ants. Taking a few simple steps to make your home less attractive to ants can save you time, effort, and money in the long run. If you’re dealing with a severe problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional pest control service for assistance.
