5 Simple Tips on How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home Forever
Flicking an ant off your donut can be an instant mood killer. And if you come across an ant, you can guarantee there are more where that one came from.
How Do You Know There’s an Ant Infestation
Scout ants are one of the first indicators of ants invading your house. These renegade ants take their “scout” title seriously, and their whole duty is to discover food sources for the colony.
If you see one of these ants scurrying around in your kitchen or other areas of your home, it’s a sure indicator that more ants are on their way. Read on for practical but effective tips on how to get rid of them.
- Try Cheap, Natural Deterrents
If you see where the ants are coming from, you may block these entrances with things that ants despise. Salt, baby powder, lemon juice, chalk, vinegar, bay leaves, cinnamon, or peppermint oil are a few products that will keep ants away.
If you place them in locations where you notice ants, they will cease utilizing that area as an entry into your home.
- Keep Food in Airtight Containers
As with most common household pests, it is critical to keep food (for both humans and dogs) in sealed, airtight containers.
Restricting access to food sources prevents ants from gaining entry and deters other pests seeking a food source at the same time.
- Seal off Cracks
After you’ve finished removing food and limiting access to it, it’s time to stop ants from entering your house. Start by scouting locations in and around your home that may be ant entry points.
Caulking cracks around windows and doors, as well as the foundation of your home, can remove many of the visible entry points for ants. These sealants may deteriorate with time and exposure to the weather, so keep an eye on them and reapply as needed.
- Sweep and Vacuum Regularly
Cleaning up spills and messes immediately away is critical. Still, frequent sweeping and vacuuming of your kitchen, dining room, living room, and any place else where your family enjoys food, beverages, or snacks will help guarantee that no stray crumbs are left for ants to locate.
- Get Rid of Ant Trails
You’re guaranteed to see more ants where you find one. This is because ants leave a fragrance trail that other ants follow. Sweeping or mopping will not remove the odor.
Instead, combine one part vinegar and three parts water in a spray bottle, then spray in places you’ve seen ants in the past. This will deter outside nesting ants from entering the house in search of food.
Conclusion
If a few ants grow into an army and you have done everything you can to stop them, you may be dealing with a severe infestation. At this point, you should hire a professional to handle the problem. They are capable of identifying ant species and properly exterminating them.
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