How to Get Rid of Ants in the House?
Well, it's ant season again. Actually, it is always ant season. Yep, these tiny pests are always lurking and searching for food, so they can show up unannounced and unexpected all year round.
They do, however, perk up in the spring and as things thaw out, we will see more pronounced activity. Ants are most active at night, so you may not notice the intrusion right away, not until they’ve built that new superhighway that zig-zags through your kitchen, under cabinets, stove, and refrigerator.
Chances are, you’ll never find exactly where they are coming from, or how they get into your home, because they’re tiny!
Why Do I have Ants in my Home?
Ants are constantly on the hunt for food and water to sustain the colony. This is why you see them most often in the kitchen and bathroom. They love sweets - any spill of juice or soda, a missed crumb from that freshly baked Tollhouse, will not go unnoticed by the workers from the local ant colony.
They lay a pheromone trail, which helps them get back home and signals to their co-workers where the score is. Soon, every worker in the area is following that trail to haul the food back to the colony. For more on how ants invade your home, learn about ant nests.
How do I Prevent Ants?
Remove Ant Food and Water Sources
Your best defense to prevent an ant infestation is to clean up spills right away and regularly clean under appliances. Fix any water leaks and make sure you do not have moisture problems.
If you are having active ant problems, move ripe fruit into the frig. Pet food also attracts ants, so make sure the bowls are cleaned out and the food is stored in a pest-free container like these. Keep your trash receptacles clean and empty them more frequently.
Ants are Here to Stay
Let’s be honest, the cleanest house still gets ants. We’ve all seen how fast an army of ants will descend on a dropped potato chip at a backyard barbeque. If you have kids, pets, or just live a normal life, then chances are, you’ll be inviting ants into your home at some point.
This is why, when you have done the mitigation and you still have ant traffic in or around your home, it is time to call a professional. Our experts at Croach® have a tried-and-true method for exterminating ants in the house.
Want to know what types of ants are invading your space? Browse our pest control blog for tips and insight.