Ant Prevention Tips

Ants can be troublesome and difficult to remove.

Ants in a home or business can be unwelcome and cause costly damage. In addition, these pests can be troublesome and difficult to remove. However, one can take several steps to help eliminate them and dissuade others from entering. Let's discuss a few ant prevention tips and how to help eradicate any invasion of ants.

Block access

Ants need to find a way to gain entry. Visually inspect the exterior of the home or business and look for access points. It's best to seal cracks or holes in the building's foundation or exterior walls with silicone caulk to prevent ants from coming indoors. Please pay special attention to areas where piping or wires enter the building, as they can provide access points for ants.

Remove food sources

As long as there's an available food supply, ants will remain indoors. Therefore, keep all areas that contain food neat and clean. Frequently wipe down all kitchen counters and clean up spills immediately. Store food in pest-proof containers, and place ripe fruit in the refrigerator. Trash cans should have a snap-on lid or one that is permanently closed. Eliminating food sources will discourage ants from remaining and returning. Regular sweeping and vacuuming will help keep crumbs and other food particles from providing ants with food.

Remove water sources

Reducing moisture can help prevent ants from invading a home or business. Any plumbing that is leaking water should be repaired. For damp basements, a dehumidifier can remove moisture. Inspect all exterior drainpipes and gutters for standing water or debris. Ensure that they function correctly and that water flows away from the home or business.

Use ant baits

Place ant baits in areas where ants are often located. Initially, they may attract more ants, but they will carry the poison back to the main colony. This will help kill off the majority of the ants. In addition, many of these products are slow-acting to ensure the ants don't die before bringing the toxic food to others.

Eliminate ant trails

Ants leave a scent trail for others to follow, typically to a food source. Identify the path ants take and wipe or mop the area with a vinegar and water mixture. This will disrupt the ants' way of locating a known food source. Inspect the area to see if they've made any deviations from the path and apply again.

Hire a professional

If the above methods don't help solve the problem, it's time to consult a pest professional. Ants can be difficult to eradicate, and hiring a professional will provide much better results. Armed with the knowledge and the proper tools, an exterminator can eliminate many types of unwanted pests.

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!