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8 How-To Tips To Prevent Ant Infestations In Your House

05.23.2023

Ant infestation in a house

When summer starts, not only does it bring warm weather and sunshine, but it also introduces new insects and pest problems. So it's time to start thinking about pest prevention. Ants can be a real nuisance during warmer months, invading your homes and gardens in search of food and shelter. But with a little preparation and effort, you can keep these pesky insects at bay and enjoy a pest-free summer. In this article, we'll look at some simple steps you can take to prepare for ant season to keep ants out of your home. 

1. Keep your home and property clean and tidy

The first step in ant prevention is to keep your home and property free of things that ants can use to survive and thrive. Ants are attracted to food and water, so make sure you wipe down counters and sweep up crumbs regularly. Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink, and make sure all food is stored in airtight containers. 

Ants can also be attracted to pet food; the simplest way to stop ants from having an easy buffet is to keep your pet's feeding area clean and store pet food in containers or elevated areas off the ground. 

To remove any potential water sources for ants, regularly inspect your home for moisture problems, such as roof and plumbing leaks. Also, eliminate areas of standing water around the property.

2. Seal off entry points

Ants can enter your home through the smallest of cracks and gaps. To prevent them from getting in, seal off any entry points you can find. Use caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors, and install weather stripping to seal gaps under doors. You can also use a door sweep to block gaps at the bottom of the doors. 

An often overlooked entry point is the garage door. Weatherstripping around a garage door can deteriorate at different rates depending on the amount of use the door receives or the varying weather conditions throughout the year. 

A deteriorated bottom seal can become deformed and no longer seal the gap along the floor, allowing ants and other animals to get into the home. Be sure to inspect the weatherstripping; if you see that light is passing through the bottom, it’s time for a seal replacement. 

3. Keep up with yard maintenance

Ants can use trees and bushes to climb up to your home, so make sure you keep them trimmed back. This maintenance will also help reduce the shade around your home, making it less attractive to ants. 

Wood mulch and other rotting wood material nearby can create a place for ants to start a colony that's difficult to detect with the naked eye. Be sure to keep the mulch away from making direct contact with your house structure, and ensure the mulch coverage is no more than three inches thick.

Regular yard maintenance also has the benefit of keeping away other pests and critters, not just ants! 

4. Store firewood away from your home

Ants love to make their nests in firewood, so store your wood away from your home. Keep firewood on a raised platform off the ground if you must have it close to your house. 

5. Use ant baits and traps

Ant baits and traps can be an effective way to control ant populations. Baits attract ants with a sweet or protein-based substance, which they then return to their nest. The poison in the bait will then kill off the entire colony. 

Some traps work by luring ants into a container, where they become trapped and eventually die, and others allow ants to take the bait back to their colony. Traps that enable ants to return the bait to the nest are your best option for pest prevention.

One example of this type of trap is the Kness Ants-No-More® Bait Station. This specially designed bait station works by attracting foraging ants to take the bait back to the colony and eliminate them at their source. 

Ants-No-More can be set up by adding your bait of choice and simply sticking the station in the ground or placing it wherever foraging ants are causing problems - around homes, buildings, near shrubs, trees, flower beds, or planter boxes.

6. Use natural remedies

If you prefer to avoid using chemical pesticides, you can try some natural remedies. For example, you can sprinkle cinnamon or cayenne pepper around entry points to deter ants. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe down surfaces, as ants dislike the smell of vinegar. The vinegar interferes with the pheromones that ants use to navigate to and from their nest. 

7. Know the signs of an ant infestation

To prevent an invasion from this pest, it's important to know the signs of an ant infestation. One of the most straightforward indicators that you're dealing with an infestation is the presence of ant trails. You may see columns of ants moving in a continuous line or a zigzag pattern across your floors, walls, or countertops. Ants often use these trails to navigate between their food source and their nest, so they can be a good indicator of where the colony is located.

You may notice small piles of dirt or debris inside or outside your home. These are often the result of ants excavating soil or debris to create their nests. If you see these piles or mounds, it's crucial to take action to address the infestation before it becomes a more significant problem. 

8. Call in the professionals

If you're struggling with a serious ant infestation, it may be time to call in the professionals. Pest control experts have the knowledge and tools to deal with the toughest ant problems. They can identify the type of ants you're dealing with and recommend the best course of action. 

Overall, the ant season doesn't have to be a headache. By taking a few simple steps to prepare for it, you can keep ants out of your home and enjoy a pest-free summer. Keep your home clean and tidy, seal off entry points, trim back trees and bushes, store firewood away from your home, use ant baits and traps, try natural remedies, know the signs of infestations, and call in the professionals if necessary. With a little pre-planning, you can keep ants at bay and enjoy the warmer months in peace.

For more information about defending your home from ant infestations and other pests, visit Kness.com/Pest-Control-Center

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