Top 6 tips for getting rid of ants 26 Jan 2015 We all struggle with ants, especially in the summer months, and no matter what you seem to try, the ants just keep on coming. Ants can become a real nuisance in any home. Clean up after every meal and store food properly. Odorous house ants and pavement ants are the most common home-invading species. These ants are often found in kitchens because they will eat almost anything including fruit, meat and cheese. This is according to Du Toit Mostert from Mostert Pest Control, who says homeowners should pay close attention to signs of a potential ant infestation, because - depending on the species - some ants can pose serious health and property threats, including costly structural damage and food contamination. Mostert says families should be sure not to overlook the small tasks necessary for preventing pests in the kitchen. A half-closed box of cereal or a trail of spilled sugar can attract ants. Cleaning up after each meal and properly storing all food will help reduce the likelihood of these pests finding a reason to invade the home and kitchen, he says. However, there are some simple steps that you can take to reduce your chances of unintentionally inviting ants into your home. Mostert shares his top tips for keeping your home ant-free: 1. Know the popular hangouts It’s probably not surprising to hear that ants most frequently infest kitchens. After all, kitchens are full of food and water; everything ants (as well as all other pests) need to survive. Bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, basements, inside walls, and spaces in and around air conditioning and heating units are also known to attract ants. 2. Eliminate water sources Pictured above is an odorous house ant. They are the most common home-invading species. These ants are often found in kitchens because they will eat almost anything including fruit, meat and cheese. Reducing moisture and standing water around your home can go a long way to help prevent ants. Repair leaky pipes, and routinely check under sinks for areas of moisture. Consider using a dehumidifier in damp basements, crawl spaces or attics. Outside, ensure that downspouts and gutters are functioning properly so that water flows away from the home’s foundation. 3. Eliminate food sources Keeping your kitchen tidy will help to discourage ants from coming indoors. Wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly to eliminate crumbs and residue from spills. Store food in sealed pest-proof containers, and keep ripe fruit in the refrigerator. Wipe down sticky jars, especially any containing honey, syrup, soda or other sweets. Finally, use a lid on trashcans and dispose of garbage regularly. 4. Don’t discount your pets Cats, dogs and other pets can inadvertently invite ants into your home. Their food and water bowls are an attractant for pests, so be sure to keep pet bowls clean and clean up any spilled food or water promptly. Opt to store dry pet food in a sealed plastic container rather than the paper bags they often come in, which can be easily accessed by ants and other pests. Inspect dog and cat doors to ensure that pests cannot get through. Remember that ants can fit through even the tiniest openings. 5. Block off or eliminate access points Take time to inspect the outside of your home for easy access points. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from the home, as branches can provide highways to get indoors for ants. Seal any cracks and crevices on the outside of the home with silicone caulk, paying special attention to areas where utility pipes enter. 6. Don’t do it alone Without the proper training and tools, battling ants can be an uphill battle. What’s worse, an infestation can continue to grow if it is not properly treated. Some species of ants can cause serious property damage - like carpenter ants - and others, like fire ants, can pose health threats to your family. Even species that are considered nuisance pests, like odorous house ants, can contaminate food. So if you do find ants in your home, contact a licensed pest professional right away. They will be able to identify the ant species, spot likely entry points, and determine an effective course of treatment.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 09:50:23 +0000
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