From spraying infested areas to regularly taking out the trash, there are several things you can do to rid your house of ants. Unfortunately, however, ants can be extremely persistent. You may need professionals to handle your infestation to ensure the pesky pests are really gone for good.
Ah, yes, spring has sprung! It’s the beautiful time of year when the birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and ants are somehow finding their way into your house… wait, what? Not again! You swore you got rid of them once and for all last year! But alas, the pesky pests are back. It’s time to learn how to get rid of ants—for good this time!
Why do ants come inside?
Ants are in your home looking for sustenance. They can sneak into your home through open doors and windows. You’re never going to prevent them entirely. However, an infestation is a totally different story than just a few rogue pests.
If you have an ant invasion in your home, you probably found them in your kitchen or bathroom. This is because ants are always on the hunt for food and water for their colonies. Crumbs, spills, and moisture are all very attractive to ants.
How do I prevent ants from coming inside?
The best way to deal with an ant infestation is to prevent it from happening in the first place. A few preventative measures include:
● Cleaning up food and drink spills right as they happen
● Keeping fruit in the fridge in containers
● Cleaning pet bowls and wiping up spilled food and water as soon as they happen
● Keeping an eye on your indoor plants for any sort of insect infestation
● Fixing leaking water pipes right away
● Keeping trees and plants trimmed away from the perimeter of your home
● Regularly checking under sinks for areas of moisture
How do I get rid of ants in my house?
Unfortunately, even with preventative measures, ants can make their way inside your home. Here’s what you should do if these pests invade your space:
● Follow the trail. Your first response to seeing ants in your home may be to sweep them up right away. Before you do this, however, see what’s attracting the ants in the first place. Clean up whatever’s drawing them in and try to make it difficult for them to access again. It’s possible that this is enough to make the ants leave.
● Spray infested areas. Spray anywhere that you’ve seen ants with one-part vinegar and three parts water.
● Spray entrance points. Ants hate peppermint and lavender. Combine the two oils and spray the mixture on entry points like windowsills and door frames to create a homemade ant repellent.
How do I keep ants out of my house permanently?
Once you’ve repelled the ants and your current infestation is under control, take measures to keep the ants out.
● Seal entry points. Caulk or seal any cracks, holes, or gaps in doors and windows
● Put sweet food in containers. Keep all food, especially sweets like honey, maple syrup, and sugar, in airtight containers at all times
● Clean countertops and floors often. Clean up any surfaces moisture and crumbs regularly accumulate frequently
● Regularly take out the trash. Keep your trash in a sealed container and take it out often
● Get in touch with the pros. If you’ve followed our tips and tricks and the ants don’t seem to care, it may be time to get in touch with the experts at Plunkett’s. A professional pest control team can ensure your home is pest-free!
At Plunkett’s Pest Control, we can inspect your home, identify the species of ant and the root of the problem so we can properly rid your space of them once and for all. Get in touch with Plunkett’s today to take back your house from unwanted visitors!
