Nobody ever likes to deal with uninvited guests, especially if those guests are literal pests. Last year in the U.S., it’s estimated that 84% of homeowners had dealt with some type of pest problem! No matter how sparkling clean you keep your home, insects, rodents, and other critters can and do get into your home. One of the worse infestations you can have in your home comes in the smallest of packages. Dealing with an ant invasion isn’t pleasant, but can be managed.
There are ways to deal with all unwanted pests and we generally know how to get rid of them, but here’s a few ways to rid your home of pesky ants.
Identify the Trail
One of the most effective ways to get rid of ants in your home is to observe them for a while. Ants always have a “trail”. Their job is to find food, collect it, and bring it back to the nest. When just one ant does that, it leaves a chemical trail for the other ants to follow, so they all know where the food is. Remember that ants can travel through walls so this may be a bit difficult to find. When you see ants, your first instinct is to smash them into oblivion, but stop and watch them for a moment. See where they are coming from. That way you’ll know where to put your ant bait. The poison will be taken back to their nest where all of the ants will share it and start to die.
Store Food in Lidded Containers
It seems like a no brainer, but if you remove a pest’s food source, they won’t keep coming back for more. Invest in some plastic or glass containers that have tight sealing lids. Your pantry can be a virtual smorgasbord for pests including ants. The goal for them is always finding a food source. Even if a food product comes in a resealable plastic bag, place that bag in a plastic or glass container with a lid. Ants have little chompers and can eat through plastic bags. Plastic or glass containers not only keep your food safe, it’s a great way to organize your pantry. Items are easier to find if things are neatly organized in containers.
Keep your countertops clear of food crumbs as well. After you cook a meal, clean your cooktop of any spills immediately. Don’t give ants any reason to visit your kitchen.
Know When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried to use store bought ant baits and you are still having a problem with the little devils, it might be time to call in an ant control professional. Sometimes infestations can be really hidden and beyond your ability to control. A professional can not only find the area of infestation, but give you the tools and advice to sure up your home by sealing entry points. They also use home safe chemicals that are more powerful than you can purchase at the hardware store.
If ants keep showing up, you may need to call in the big guns to rid your home of their presence.
If you currently have ants in your home, you’re certainly not alone but, you don’t have to live with those unwanted houseguests forever. Keep these tips in mind to get rid of them and deter them from ever coming back. In doing so, you can take control of your house once again and have peace of mind knowing it’s as pest-free as possible. Dealing with an ant invasion isn’t pleasant, but is not too difficult to remedy.