3 Ways To Keep Ants From Calling Your House "Home"
Ants are an instrumental component of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, what they do so well outdoors becomes a problem when they bring their habits inside. Ants can burn through stored food and attract larger pests, which is why it's always a great idea to make your home as unattractive as possible for these small insects. Here are three ways to keep ants from turning your humble abode into a home.
1. Never Let Food Leave the Kitchen
Whether you are a busy parent with kids who like to wander or an adult who likes to eat meals in front of the TV, it's easy to let food escape the nonporous confines of your kitchen. Unfortunately, when people take food into other places, crumbs can be dropped onto the floor, carpet, and furniture, drawing ants into your space.
To prevent ant issues, never let food leave the kitchen. Have set mealtimes as a family, and ask everyone to keep all food where it's easy to wipe down all of your counters and sweep the floor.
2. Store Pantry Goods In Airtight Containers
Ants are excellent at finding food and consuming large quantities, so change the way you store pantry goods like cereal, flour, and sugar. Instead of storing it in the bins, store all pantry goods in airtight containers, and rotate these items frequently. If you use an ingredient, wipe down the exterior when you are finished to keep bugs from being attracted to the scent.
3. Set Ant Traps By the Door
Another fantastic way to keep ants away from your property is by targeting them where they enter your home. Consider putting down some ant traps near the entrances, exits, and even windows of your home, so that ants are tempted with the bait long before they make it all the way into your living space. Check the labels on ant traps regularly to replace them when they are past their expiration or effectiveness date. For instance, some traps only work for a few months before needing to be replaced.
Remember, you aren't alone in your fight against indoor insects. Exterminators can spray the interior of your property to eradicate pests, increasing cleanliness and safety. When you talk with exterminators, ask them how long they have been working in the business, how they typically respond to ants, and how successful their efforts usually are. By working with an ant control service, your home could be ant-free in no time.