How to prevent ants

Most ants only come into your home to look for food. They are attracted to anything that is sweet and sticky, which is why you can find ants anywhere food is kept, especially in the kitchen. Once ants find a food source, they lay down an invisible trail that other ants can sense and follow to keep coming back to get more food for their colony.

To get rid of ants you must remove the things that attract ants. The list below will help:

• Clean up food and liquid spills immediately. Even the tiniest of crumbs is enough to attract an army of ants to your home!
• Sweep up any food crumbs from under your kitchen appliances and units.
• Store your food in airtight containers or bags in cabinets and refrigerators. Even refrigerator seals are no problem for ants! Fruit bowls with fermenting fruit should be emptied regularly. Ant colonies move to places where foraging ants have reported that it is easy to find food and water. Ants will form trails and will continue to seek food and water from the same place for as long as possible, setting up colonies inside of the home to stay close to the source if it is not taken away before much time has passed. Keeping counters and floors clean and keeping food put away can help to discourage ants from infesting. Keeping food in sealed containers and bags can also help to minimize food sources for ants.
• Clean up pet food as it is also a food source that will attract ants to your home. Be sure to clean your pet’s bowl after use too.
• Seal all cracks and crevices around your doors and window frames to block entry for ants. Check for leaks from time to time. Ants are tiny, so even the smallest cracks around sinks, under cabinets, and around foundations can allow ants to find a way in. Home residents may be able to help prevent ants by resealing areas that are caulked, such as around sinks and tubs and areas where counters attach to walls as part of spring cleaning. Window and door seals can be checked as plastic and storm windows are removed, and home residents can add weather stripping and door sweeps to minimize openings.
• Keep garbage lids closed tightly as ants can easily detect the leftovers in your trash.
• Keep food covered in storage areas as you don’t know where ants have been walking before they walk across your food.
• Reduce moisture since moisture is as attractive to ants as food. Investing in a dehumidifier or moisture-controlling ventilation system can help to keep moisture levels low. Keeping “Damp-rid” or other over-the-counter moisture controlling products may also be helpful.

Depending on the ant species that has managed to invite itself into your home, removing ants yourself can be dangerous. Our ant control specialists know what to do when it comes to ant deterrents. They understand the habits of different types of ant and can offer the most appropriate and effective solution. Ehrlich experts can also help you remove infestations and activity around your home or business. All our treatments are safe for people and pets.

Call us today at 1-800-837-5520 or contact us online to learn how our services can help prevent ants.