Author: Kurt Treftz, Cascade Pest Control
Temperatures are rising and the sun is starting to be a more regular part of our lives again, but unfortunately this comes with a risk of pests finding their way into your home as well. Household ants are the most common and infuriating pest offender in these cases. Figuring out how they’re even getting in can be a frustrating case of trial and error if you don’t know what to look for.
Ant Control Basics
Identification
If you’re seeing ants in your kitchen or crawling around other areas of your home in large numbers, chances are you’re dealing with common, household ants. This is not the only type of ant that can make its way into your space and nest, however. Ant species identification is an important first step in the ant control process, as different species require different treatment methods.
Remove the Food Source
The largest attraction for ants to stay in your space is a reliable food source. This is why many people find them hanging around the kitchen or pantry. Anything left out on your counter is fair game to these pests, so be careful what you’re leaving uncovered. Fruits in particular can lure ants in with the smell, and any transportable sweets will keep them coming back.
If you can’t seem to find the source, be sure to check remote parts of your space to see if anything was left out accidentally that could be attracting them.
Find the Entry Point
Ants are tricky and can find ways into your space even if they aren’t nesting in it. Due to their size, they can squeeze through the tiniest of cracks. Sealing window sills, piping entry points, attic and crawl space gaps, and door jams will be important to ensuring there isn’t any way in structurally.
They can also hitchhike into your space aboard groceries, plants, or sometimes toys and clothes. Keep an eye out for nests in any of these items to ensure you’re not bringing them in unintentionally.
Ant Control Prevention
Keeping your space clean and being intentional about how you store things are the largest things you can do to prevent ants from invading your interior space. Keep debris away from the outside of your house, be aware of where timber or fire wood are in relation to your foundation, and regularly inspect your structure for signs of damage to prevent colonies from accessing your space from the outside.
As far as ant control treatment methods go, you’re best off with an insecticide-treated bait that foraging ants can find. This will be less potentially harmful to those around you than a spray insecticide, and it does a better job of treating the colony itself.
If you’ve tried everything and are still struggling, never fear. Utilizing a professional ant control service can never hurt if you’re unsure of where to start or frustrated by lack of results. Cascade Pest Control is adept at finding, eliminating, and preventing ant infestations. Our knowledgeable technicians are skilled at numerous eco-friendly ant control techniques to ensure your space is clean and secure.
Call 888-989-8979 today to get started with a quote!
