How To Control and Prevent Ant Infestations
Controlling an ant infestation can be annoying! You get rid of thousands of them, but in no time they will come back in huge numbers. This is because these insects are social and do not look for shelter alone. Rather, immediately after finding a place to nest they invite their whole community and entire colonies form right beneath your nose.
An ant infestation is further difficult to prevent and control because ants are unbelievably small. They take refuge in areas under surfaces where humans can’t reach.
So, how do you de-infest your home from ants? You call us without any second thoughts! Because no ant species stands a chance against our team. You will enjoy living pest-free all year round.
We design a unique plan of action for each pest-infested location we service because we understand that every structure varies as does the severity of the infestation. We combat ants in the most effective and environmentally friendly way. We will help fortify your property against the invasion and take measures to ensure the ants won’t return!
Measures to Prevent Ant Infestation
Before you embark on a DIY approach to get rid of ants, you must understand which ant species caused the infestation. If you think spraying a mere ant repellant will help you to get rid of them permanently, then you are highly mistaken as that would only provide temporary relief from the infestation. For every ant species, the approach has to be different. Professional exterminators have the knowledge to follow ants back to their colonies to kill them.
The following actions will help prevent an ant infestation on your property:
Always plant bushes, trees, and other greens away from your home. They act as a shelter for ant colonies. If they are too close to the wall of your house, then they will provide ants a way inside.
Block off all potential access points, such as tiny cracks or spots. To stop future invasions, you should check and cover even the smallest places where ants can make their way inside.
There must be a 3-6-inch clearance space between the soil and the siding of your home to prevent ants from taking shelter in the sidings.
Ant communities love to settle on bare spots in yards. If your lawn is poorly maintained, they will nest under layers of thatch. Make sure that you trim your grass regularly and maintain a healthy garden. Plant grass in bare spots so that ants don’t create another ant hill. If an ant colony resides in your lawn, then it will most likely enter your home soon.
Spray insecticide over any ant hills you encounter, even if they are small. Keep doing this until the area is ant-free.
Rake your lawn multiple times a week and eliminate grass and thatch which you collect after mowing.
How to Control an Ant Infestation
The first step towards battling an ant infestation is to identify the ant species since the treatment for each species varies widely. Every species uses different survival methods and has distinct preferences. You will require a uniquely tailored approach to control the infestation.
Professionals can help find out which species is responsible for plaguing your place. Until then, you can take the following measures to stop an active ant infestation
Seal all entry and exit points
Ants can enter your home through even the smallest crevices and cracks in windows, walls, and foundations. Seal all such tiny openings and any other potential points of entry. Fill in the gaps with caulk and other appropriate materials.
Clean the sealed points
After you have sealed all of the entry points, you must keep them clean and tidy. This will ensure that other ants are not attracted to the smell. You may not realize this, but ants leave an invisible trail when they travel. The trail contains pheromones so that other ants can follow to reach the newly discovered food source. So just getting rid of a bunch of ants is not enough! It would be best if you wiped off their trails.
Wash away ant trails
You must eradicate ant trails by scrubbing away the scent. Wash entrances to your home with water and soap, especially where you’ve see ants enter and leave.
Remove attractants
Food attracts ants and then their entire communities inside your home. Sugar, grease, and other food must never be left open. They are potential lures and threaten the safety of your house. Always keep your food and pet food in sealed containers.
Also, pet food bowls left on the floor can be easily accessed by ants, especially when traces of food are left around them. Wash pet bowls clean every time after your pet finishes a meal. Empty the garbage bin regularly to get rid of the trash. Doing so removes strong odors which attracts ants.
Control moisture
Just like all living beings, ants require food, water, and air to survive. Get rid of excessive water sources so that ants can’t access them.
You can do that by following these steps:
- Install a dehumidifier to reduce moisture inside your home.
- Do not let the gutters clog. A smooth flow ensures that there is no moisture in the walls or the floors.
- Fix leaking pipes.
