Common Entrances for Ants
Most ants come into our homes through tiny cracks or crevices and through windows, vents and drainpipes. In addition, some pests and ants may enter your house through pet doors or when they are carried in by you or your family members. If your house is near a garden or lawn with a high ant population, they may also invade your home. Knowing the different ways through which ants can enter your house is an important step to take in order to prevent them from getting in.
Types of Ants
There are various kinds of ants that can be found in households, such as pavement ants, red imported fire ants, carpenter ants, Argentine ants, and so on. Each species of ants may have different characteristics, habits and behavior, but all of them will cause disruption to your day-to-day activities. Identifying the type of ant infestation you have is important in order to address the issue at hand efficiently.
Where to Look for Ant Invaders
Apart from the obvious areas, such as near the garbage or in the kitchen, ants may inhabit other areas around the house too. This includes crevices near windows and doors, behind furniture, walls and even wires. Ants will also live in potted plants, among other moist, warm and dark areas around the house. Keeping the areas around your house clean and tidy can help to not attract ants.
Ants’ Food Sources
One of the reasons why ants invite themselves into our houses is to look for food and water sources. Eliminating food sources, such as kitchen crumbs, sugary substances and grease, can prevent ants from getting near our food. Store food in airtight containers to further prevent ants from taking residence within your home. In addition, keep areas where food is served or prepared clean and free from food residue.
Repelling Ants
There are simple steps we can take to prevent and repel ants from entering our homes. Common methods may include spraying anti-ant solutions or sprays at ant entry points, using bay leaves or citrus peels near doorways, or sprinkling diatomaceous earth near entry points and in crevices. Homeowners should also ensure that the foundation of their home is well sealed and tight, to prevent ants from entering.
Call for Professional Help
In severe cases, where homeowners are unable to control an ant infestation, they should consider seeking professional help. A pest control specialist will be able to determine the type of infestation and apply the appropriate methods to manage and remove the ant population.
Preventive Measures
Taking preventive measures will ensure that ants do not make your house their home. Preventive measures may include inspecting and sealing all cracks, crevices and window sills; emptying out pet food dishes; and ensuring that there are no damp or wet areas near the house where the ants could thrive.
How to Get Rid of Ants
Once ant infestations have occurred, homeowners should take necessary steps to get rid of the ants as soon as possible. Home remedies such as using ant traps, pouring boiling water near ant colonies, or using boric acid can help in eradicating ants from the house.
Cleaning After Ant Removal
Once the ants have been eradicated, the next important step would be to clean the area where the ants were residing. This helps to prevent them from coming back again in the future. Cleaning solutions like vinegar and soapy water can help to remove any residue that was left behind by the ants.
Discourage Ants from Coming Back
Keeping the house and surrounding premises clean can help to discourage ants from coming back again. This means picking up any leftover food crumbs, avoiding leaving pet food outside and cleaning up the pet’s area regularly. In addition, installing door sweeps and screens, and caulk windows and doors can help to prevent ants from entering.
Using Natural Materials to Get Rid of Ants
Apart from using commercial products, using natural materials can help to ward off ants from entering your house. Peppermint oil, vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are some natural substances that are effective in repelling ants. These substances can be used as mixtures, or as ant repellents or baits.
Biological Control Methods
Biological control methods involve introducing other species of ants into the existing ant population to disrupt their food sources. Species of ants, such as the Pharaoh ants, are able to overwhelm colonies of other more harmful species of ants. This method can be used to reduce the number of ants in the home.
Insecticides and Pesticides to Control Ants
Insecticides and pesticides are often used as a last resort to curb ant infestations. Generally, these products contain active ingredients like bifenthrin, pyrethrin, gamma-cyhalothrin that can help to kill the ants. You can use these products for temporary ant control, but it is still better to use natural methods or call for professional help.
