Ant infestations can be unpleasant and difficult to eliminate. Ants can contaminate food and even cause damage to the structure of a home as they build colonies. With spring quickly approaching in New England, ant season will soon be in full swing. Now is the perfect time to get a jump on methods to prevent ant infestations so that the warmer months will find your home ant-free. Take a look at these top 4 tips to prevent ants.
#1: Seal Ant Entry Points
Ants are tiny, so even the smallest cracks around sinks, under cabinets, and around foundations can allow ants to find a way in. Home residents may be able to help prevent ants by resealing areas that are caulked, such as around sinks and tubs and areas where counters attach to walls as part of spring cleaning. Window and door seals can be checked as plastic and storm windows are removed, and home residents can add weather stripping and door sweeps to minimize openings.
#2: Minimize Food Sources
Ant colonies move to places where foraging ants have reported that it is easy to find food and water. Ants will form trails and will continue to seek food and water from the same place for as long as possible, setting up colonies inside of the home to stay close to the source if it is not taken away before much time has passed. Keeping counters and floors clean and keeping food put away can help to discourage ants from infesting. Keeping food in sealed containers and bags can also help to minimize food sources for ants.
#3: Reduce Moisture
Moisture is as attractive to ants as food, so reducing moisture in the home can help to prevent ant infestations. Investing in a dehumidifier or moisture-controlling ventilation system can help to keep moisture levels low. Keeping “Damp-rid” or other over-the-counter moisture controlling products may also be helpful.
#4: Set up a Pest Control Plan
Pest control services can help home residents to prevent and eliminate ant infestations. While many homeowners attempt to eliminate and prevent ant infestations using DIY methods, these methods can be harmful to household pets and the environment, and may not actually be effective in eliminating or preventing infestations.
Ants are good at hiding, so an infestation may exist long after it seems to have been eliminated with DIY methods. A professional exterminator will look over the home and use more reliable methods that are tailored to the situation in order to best prevent ant infestations, taking steps to ensure that infestations are truly eliminated.