How To Get Rid Of Ants
Ants are interesting insects and are quite smart when they work together. They are an extremely common pest around the world and are found in nearly every country and continent besides Antarctica. Almost everyone has had to deal with ants at some point in their lives. Like a lot of insects, ants live in colonies and are rather social. They can be challenging to get rid of once they have entered a home, but some tactics can be used to help prevent ants from disturbing a home or business. If the ant problem is pretty severe, it might be a good idea to call an ant exterminator to get rid of them. Ant extermination can be a complicated process, so having a professional handle things is always a good idea.
Types of Ants
The type of ants in or around a home affects the treatment needed to get rid of them. There are a few species that are very common. Carpenter ants are similar to termites and will burrow into the walls and foundation of a home, causing damage. Fire ants are another common type of ant. They will create mounds in the ground where the colony lives. Fire ants do sting, and some people can have allergic reactions. If these ants are present, they should be eliminated quickly. Always call an exterminator when dealing with fire ants; it is not safe to deal with them without the proper training and equipment. Harvester ants will aggressively defend their nest and have excruciating stings. For someone with allergies, a sting from a harvester ant could mean a trip to the emergency room. If these ants are present, call an exterminator immediately to have them dealt with.
Since there are numerous ant species in Phoenix, if you are unclear what kind of ants you have, call an exterminator to have them perform an inspection. There are many effective DIY methods to kill ants but killing the ants inside the house is not the issue. Preventing the ants from getting into the home in the first place is the best line of defense. But once they are in, killing the queen ant is the only way to eliminate an ant colony.
Ant Repellent
Ants primary goal is to find food and water to keep the colony fed and protect the queen. Soldier ants will scavenge for food sources, and once they find one, all the other ants will follow. Restricting food access from the ants will help prevent them from staying in a home. All food should be kept in airtight containers. The better protected the food is, the less likely the ants will find it.
Keeping a home or business clean is the best way to prevent ants. Generally, ants will get into a home through cracks and gaps in the floors, doors, and windows. Keeping that ground-level clean will help prevent ants from even making it onto the counters to reach the other food. Regular sweeping will help keep all those little food crumbs away from the ants reach. Cleaning up spills is a significant help as well. Ants are known for their love of sugary drinks. Soda, popsicles, and ice cream are all extremely desirable to ants. Cleaning up any spills, especially sweet spills, will prevent ants as well. If you have pets in your home, spraying a vinegar/water solution around their food and water bowls will help repel ants from going there. In general, keep as many food sources out of reach of the ants they won’t bother returning.
There are some excellent DIY ant repellents that will help keep your home ant-free after an initial treatment. Even if your home has been treated for ants and they have all dissapeared it doesn’t mean they won’t come back. But there are a few simple ways to deter them. Ants rely on their impecible sense of smell to find food and bring it back to the colony. They often follow what is a called a “scent trail” which is why you will see them traveling in lines. One of the best ways to repel ants is by overpowering their scent trail. By using strong odors like vinegar, citrus, clove, garlic, and peppermint you can ensure your home is anything but appealing to them.
The first line in defending a home against pests, especially ants, is to seal windows, doors, and walls. They can develop cracks and openings that serve as invitations to ants wanting to get inside. A good strategy is to perform regular checks to ensure nothing goes unnoticed. Be sure to check the areas that are hidden behind furniture and other obstructions, as they are more likely to be forgotten. If the ants have no way of getting inside, they will move on to the next area.
How To Prevent Ants
Excessive moisture can provide ants with a steady water supply that works to keep them happy. Moisture can appear in many ways, including cracked or broken pipes, leaking plumbing systems, or high humidity. Keeping your home dry is essential in preventing pests from entering your home—almost all pests and insects like dark, damp places. A dry home is a home that is less likely to attract ants and other insects.
Ant Control
Sometimes ants can be a slight nuisance, and other times they can completely dishevel a household. Once they have established themselves inside a home, they will find every little bit of food to get in to. Waking up and finding ant covered donuts or ants floating in the honey is a terrible experience. And most store-bought ant traps are not very effective. Ants have one queen in their colony that lays many eggs, continually increasing the size of the colony. If the queen is not killed, the ant problem will not go away. Therefore the best option to completely remove ants is to call a professional exterminator. At Anteater Exterminating, our technicians continuously study and have the experience to know which kind of ants are present and what the best method of treatment is. After an initial inspection, a treatment plan will be drawn up and implemented, permanently eliminating the ants. The goal at Anteater Exterminating is to keep all the residents and business owners of Phoenix pest-free. Give us a call today and live the pest-free life!