It’s spring, a time when ants will begin to emerge. These pests will find any small crack in your foundation or window frame to get inside of your home. And once in, they’ll become a real nuisance. While most ant infestations are simply annoying, some ants like the Carpenter ant can cause structural damage. Fortunately, United Pest Solutions is here for you. With ant activity starting to increase, we’ve developed this list of helpful tips you can implement to help keep ants out of your home.
Indoors
Clean, Clean, Clean
Sweep, vacuum, and mop regularly and if you have pets, don’t leave their food out all day. Also, keep the area where your pet eats clean and dry.
Repair Water Leaks
Ants are attracted to what helps them survive, including water. Some ants, like Carpenter Ants, are also attracted to areas with excess moisture or damp wood. So make sure to fix any water leaks or dripping faucets you may have in your home.
Empty Trash Regularly
Empty your indoor trash regularly to help make your home less appealing to ants and before you recycle, make sure you rinse items before placing them in the recycling bin. Leaving even the smallest amounts of food or drink at the bottom of your recyclables can attract ants.
Keep Pantry Food Airtight
Your pantry is a hot spot for all pests so store your products in airtight containers. This will not only help keep pests out but it will also help keep your pantry products fresh.
Outdoors
Trim Back Bushes
Trim back your bushes at least 18 inches away from your home. Ants and other pests may use branches that touch your home as a way to infiltrate it.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Walk around the perimeter of your home and inspect your foundation and siding, looking for any gaps pests could use to gain access into your home, then properly seal them.
Inspect Windows and Doors
Make sure screens are intact and undamaged and apply weather stripping to frames to help keep ants out. (This will also keep cold air out, helping reduce energy costs.)
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts will not only create breeding grounds for pests, but they’ll also cause soil erosion and standing water. Carpenter ants also prefer damp wood. Poor drainage may lead to moist wood or roof leaks which may lead to an ant invasion.
We hope these tips help as you work to make your home pest-free. And if you’re experiencing a pest infestation, it’s important to contact a professional. They have a firm understanding of pests and their behaviors. They know how to safely and effectively remove the problem.