Once they've invaded your house, ants are one of the most difficult pests to control. The National Pest Management Association offers five tips to keep those unwelcome ants out of your home once and for all:
1. In many cases, ants enter your home in search of food. You can keep ants out by keeping your kitchen spotless and removing all accessible food sources. Always keep food, especially sweets, in clean, airtight containers. Rinse out recyclable containers, take garbage outside regularly and store it in sealed containers. Be sure to wipe down all countertops frequently with soap and water, and clean up any grease or spills immediately.
2. Avoid leaving pet food dishes out for long periods of time. You can create a moat to keep ants away from your pet food by placing the dish inside another shallow, larger dish with an inch of water in it.
3. Caulk and seal all cracks and crevices around your home's foundation that could provide entry from the outside, especially those areas leading to the kitchen where food is prepared. Trim any tree branches and shrubs that touch the outside of the house to prevent ants from gaining access to the house.
4. Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water that may attract ants. It is important to get any plumbing leaks fixed right away.
5. If ants do find their way into your house despite these precautions and they prove too big a pest to handle, always seek the help of a licensed pest professional. A pest professional will be able to identify which species of ants are present and can help you control the problem.
