Why Won’t the Ants Go Away?
Ants are very good at finding food.
Ants are very destructive organisms. They can damage property, equipment, and appliances. The worst part is that their bite is excruciating and even allergic for some individuals. Here are some possible culprits if an ant infestation doesn’t go away even after using several repellents.
Readily available food source
Ants are very good at finding food. Leaving food out in the open is an excellent way of inviting them into a home. All food surfaces should be wiped clean. Also, store food in tightly sealed containers and ensure ants cannot access it. A homeowner can add a bay leaf to each of these containers because they have a pungent smell that repels ants.
Also, ensure all cooking appliances, including microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators, are clean because even a tiny crumb can attract these invaders.
Indoor plants
Homeowners fighting an ant infestation are better off with artificial plants. Fresh plants and damp soil are attractive food sources for ants and may attract them to a home. Having dead leaves and debris around the plant’s base doesn’t improve the situation.
Moisture and damp areas around the house
Ants need water as much as they need food. So, moist or damp areas around the house will attract them. Ensure that leaking pipes or a poor drainage system is addressed immediately. Basements are the most prone to ant infestations. So, waterproof this area and ensure it doesn’t have standing water.
Presence of holes and entry points
Ants don’t just build their nests underground or outside. They can build nests inside walls, ceilings, and behind baseboards. To prevent this, a homeowner should thoroughly and regularly check their house to ensure no holes in the walls and around the house. If there are holes in the walls, repair them immediately to prevent an ant infestation.
Also, ensure trees are not touching the house because ants could climb along the branches and leaves and find their way into the home.
Dark areas
Ants like building their nests in dark areas, so one should ensure the home has enough lighting in dark corners. Avoid positioning beds and cabinets too close to walls to distribute ample light across the house.
Get professional help
If addressing the above areas fails to send the ants packing, it’s time to call a professional for help. Experts know the ins and outs of ants—their habits, likes, and dislikes—so they are better equipped to eliminate these pesky insects from a home. In the long run, hiring a professional is a worthy investment because it will save a homeowner the money they would otherwise spend on repairs.
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!