When warm weather arrives, you might expect to see an ant or two crawling around your property. In many cases, this instance is harmless. But if it’s recurring and the ants seem to be multiplying, your home could be attracting these pests – and may already harbor an ant infestation. If this is the case, it may be time to hire a professional ant exterminator.
Ants are always looking for new homes and food sources for their colony. Anywhere is fair game and once they have found shelter, food and a water source, the entire colony follows a trail to your home. With this in mind, which aspects could be drawing ants to your property? Homeowners want to know if there are any ant control measures and how to start the ant removal process?
First, take some proactive ant control steps like reviewing your home and looking for some of the following warning signs.
Moisture
Excess moisture looks like a plus to these pests:
- A dripping faucet, leaking toilet or damp bathroom might lead to ants congregating around your sink or carpenter ants building nests in the tiles or under the sink.
- Pools of water anywhere quickly draw ants. As such, it’s always a good idea to mop these up in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Standing water in the kitchen sink can also attract ants, especially if a food source is nearby.
Food
Speaking of food, crumbs and residue can attract ants. Your kitchen could be the source of your infestation if it has:
- Spills or messes you haven’t cleaned up.
- Sugar and grease residues, which may entice ants by scent alone.
- Crumbs on your countertop.
- Food that’s incorrectly stored.
- Rotting food and old meals, even in your garbage can.
As a rule of thumb, dispose of your trash every day. Sitting out, it begins to emit a stronger odor, which can attract ants. With these factors considered, make sure you do the following to prevent ants:
- Always clean up any spilled drink and food.
- Be watchful of children and pets – they tend to spill food and liquids more often.
- Thoroughly clean your kitchen on a regular basis, especially areas with sugar and grease residue.
- Keep counters and tables free of crumbs.
- Securely store your food or keep it in the refrigerator, especially if it’s sweet and sticky.
- If you see a residue on containers or dishes, wipe it away as soon as possible.
- Keep outside trashcans away from your home’s entryway.
- Before you throw any perishable food in the trash, put it in a bag first.
Cracks
Ants have to get in from someplace and a minuscule crack – typically near a door or window – is frequently to blame. Once there, they stay in the walls and start to form colonies. In addition to eliminating all food and water sources, be sure to:
- Add weather-stripping to your windows and doors.
- Seal any cracks and holes of all sizes in your walls and on your floors with silicone caulk.
- Windows can also form small cracks after years of use. As such, assess the edges and seal off these areas with caulk.
If you’ve taken these ant pest control steps and the ants still won’t go away, it’s time to get the professionals involved. To make an appointment with our ant control team, specializing in carpenter ants, sugar ants, little black ants, pavement ants and more, contact us today!
