Ants can be unpleasant to live with and an insidious pest that can feel impossible to get under control. Prevention is better than a cure when you’re dealing with ants, and there are steps that all people should take to protect their homes from these tiny insect invaders. Ants are attracted to food, particularly sugar, so keeping your food on lockdown is crucial.
Making your home an unattractive prospect for ants can be invaluable for preventing them from getting inside. You should ensure that your home is well sealed, cleaned regularly, and that any food spilt is cleared away ASAP.
Grow Some Mint Plants
Growing mint plants to put near entry points of your home can be an excellent natural deterrent to ants. Ants dislike the scent of mint, so a potted mint plant near downstairs doors and windows can work wonders. Just be aware that mint can grow incredibly fast and will take over a garden if you’re not careful. This is why potted mint can be better for people who don’t want an entire garden overflowing with mint.
Seal Up Any Gaps And Cracks
Ants need an entry point if they want to get to your kitchen and its treasure trove of food. Remove any possible entry points, and you will never have to deal with these pesky insects. You can seal gaps using caulking or even a household staple like talcum powder which creates a barrier to ants seeking entry.
Hire A Pest Control Service
Pest control services can be perfect if you have a current infestation, but they can also provide invaluable help and advice on preventing ants in the first place. Quality ant control companies like ABC Home & Commercial can assess the risk factors in your home and give you tailored, expert advice on the steps to take to prevent ants from getting inside.
Store Food In Airtight Containers
It cannot be stressed enough that food being available to ants – particularly sugary food – is the leading cause of ants in homes. You should ensure that your food is in airtight, sealed containers that won’t emit smells that attract ants. Food in things like fruit bowls should be regularly emptied or, better yet, stored in the fridge.
Clean Regularly And Thoroughly
Cleaning is crucial for preventing ants from being attracted into your home, particularly in the kitchen or any other area that houses food. Any food spills or crumbs should be wiped or vacuumed up as soon as they occur, and it is best to give the entire house regular, thorough cleans to prevent ants from setting up inside.
Summing Up
There are two major parts to keeping ants from infiltrating your home: removing food sources and securing entry points. If you manage to keep on top of these two, you should not have issues with ants in the home. If you have had infestations before or are unable to fully seal your home, you may need to take extra measures; crucially, consulting with a professional pest control service can be highly beneficial.
