If you have experienced having ants come inside of your home in years past, and you live in an area where the scenario is likely to occur again, you likely want to do whatever possible to ensure these pests remain outdoors. Here are some steps to take to aid in keeping your home's interior free of ants.
Make Cleaning A Priority
Ants tend to congregate in spots where debris accumulates. They use their keen power of smell to track down substances they can use as food sources. If you do not keep your home's inside clean, there is bound to be an ant problem at one time or another. Do your best to clean daily, if possible. Always wipe down your countertops after using them to prepare meals to help eliminate any odors ants would be attracted to. Vacuum, mop, or sweep your floor surfaces regularly to help eliminate crumbs from this level of your home.
Conduct Repairs Wherever They Are Needed
If there are spots where ants can make their way from the outside to the inside of your home, they need to be repaired so this no longer occurs. Conduct a detailed assessment of your home's exterior for signs of wear. Patch any portions of siding or make replacements of panels as needed. Use caulk around window panes and doorways to provide a sealant that is harder to penetrate from the outside.
Set Up Traps And Deterrents
Ant traps work well at capturing any of these small insects that get too close for comfort. Traps are obtainable from hardware or home goods services. They are small and can be tucked away in corners where ants are likely to frequent. Place a few near your food supply, as well as along the perimeters of rooms in shadowy areas. Check the traps often and replace them as needed. Vinegar and chalky substances, such as powder, are deterrents you can use in any area of your home. Spray down counters with a mixture of vinegar and water to eliminate scent trails. Sprinkle talc along the bottoms of doorways as ants will avoid walking through this medium.
Let A Pest Control Service Help
Even if your home is free of ants presently, it makes sense to have your space evaluated by a professional, especially if you live in an area where pests are known for their abundance. A pest control service will treat your home as a preventative measure. This will keep ants on the outside where they belong. The service will also provide you with recommendations on how you can further protect your home against insect intruders.
