Ants are a major nuisance for many homeowners, as they can multiply into massive colonies quickly. They are tiny and slip indoors through cracks and holes that are difficult to locate. Here are some of the best ways to get rid of ants in your home.
Determine the Source of the Problem
Before choosing the best treatment for an ant problem, you must determine how they get inside the house. Look for food sources and vulnerable points where ants get indoors. Follow the insects to find the food they are attracted to and locate gaps and cracks where they access your home.
Get Rid of Ants by Keeping a Clean House
Ants come into your home in search of food. They detect food with olfactory receptors in their body. If you neglect to wipe the countertops or leave dishes in the sink, you’re more likely to have ants in your home.
Clean up immediately after preparing food. Wipe food containers clean, remove crumbs from the floors and countertops, and do the dishes after every meal. Keep bulk or dry foods in airtight containers to avoid attracting ants. Sweep the floors daily and mop frequently. Take out the trash often so the insects won’t detect food in your home.
Destroy the Scent Trail to Get Rid of Ants
Ants leave behind pheromones as they search for food. The scent trail makes it easier for other ants to follow and share the food source. To get rid of ants, you must also get rid of the pheromone trail. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Spritz this in areas with ant activity to destroy the scent trail.
Choose the Right Bait
When most people see an ant crawling across the kitchen counter, they react by killing it or removing it from their home. Dealing with one insect at a time is effective for a moment but leaves behind an entire colony.
Choose a gel bait or trap to get rid of ants. Ants are attracted to sugary or greasy substances in these traps. They will eat some and carry the poisonous bait back to the colony, sharing it with others.
Get Rid of Ants Outdoors
If you locate where ants are getting into your home, seal the gaps or cracks. Use silicone caulk around window or door frames and fill holes in mortar. To repel the ants from your home, use diatomaceous earth or a non-toxic mixture of water and white vinegar. Apply the product near the areas where the insects are entering.
If ants are a problem in your home, make it a priority to clean the kitchen; food products, especially sweets, will attract them. Use these tips to help keep your home ant-free all summer.
Blackbird Home Inspections provides inspection services in Central Arkansas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.