Ant Prevention Tips

Metro Orlando FL | Kissimmee - Sanford - Leesburg

If you have never encountered ants in your house, office, or school, count yourself among the lucky few. If you’re like most people,however, you’ve likely fought your fair share of battles against this annoying pest, whether it’s a nest of pavement ants in your garage or a parade of odorous house ants marching across your kitchen counter.

How to Prevent Ants

Ants are the number one nuisance pest in the United States. With more than 700 species occurring in the country, and more than 20 types known to infest homes and other structures, it’s not surprising that so many people report having issues with this pest. Thankfully, there are some simple steps that homeowners can take to reduce your chances of unintentionally inviting ants into your home.

• Eliminate sources of water: Reducing moisture and standing water around your home can go a long way to help prevent ants.
  • Repair leaky pipes, and routinely check under sinks for areas of moisture.
  • Consider using a dehumidifier in damp basements, crawl spaces or attics.
  • Outside, ensure that downspouts and gutters are functioning properly so that water flows away from the home’s foundation.
  • Pet water bowls are an attractant for pests, so be sure to keep pet bowls clean and clean up any spilled food or water promptly.

• Eliminate sources of food: Keeping your kitchen tidy will help to discourage ants from coming indoors.
  • Wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly to eliminate crumbs and residue from spills.
  • Store food in sealed pest-proof containers, and keep ripe fruit in the refrigerator.
  • Wipe down sticky jars, especially any containing honey, syrup, sodas, or other sweets.
  • Use a lid on trashcans, and dispose of garbage regularly.
  • Be sure to keep pet bowls clean, and clean up any spilled food promptly.
  • Opt to store dry pet food in a sealed plastic container rather than the paper bags they often come in, which can be easily accessed by ants and other pests.

• Eliminate ant entry points: It’s probably not surprising to hear that ants most frequently infest kitchens. Bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, basements, inside walls, and in/around air conditioning and heating units are also known to attract ants, so make sure all entry points are sealed.
  • Inspect dog/cat doors to ensure that pests cannot get through. Remember that ants can fit through even the tiniest openings.

Preventing Ants from the Exterior

In addition to preventing ants inside your home, it’s equally if not even more important to prevent them from outside your property as well. Take time to inspect the outside of your home for easy access points. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from the home, as branches can provide highways indoors for ants. Lastly, seal any cracks and crevices on the outside of the home with silicone caulk, paying special attention to areas where utility pipes enter.

Hire An Ant Exterminator

Without the proper training and tools, battling ants can be an uphill battle. What’s worse, an infestation can continue to grow if it is not properly treated. Some species of ants, like carpenter ants, can cause serious property damage. Other species, like fire ants, can pose health threats to your family. Even species that are considered nuisance pests, like odorous house ants, can contaminate food.

Heron Home & Outdoor knows exactly what it takes to eliminate ants from your home—for good! By scheduling a year-round program with Heron, you can make sure ants will never be a long-term nuisance again.