Repellents and Traps
Ants are clever enough to stay away from things they don’t like. Some of the most common repellents they avoid include; vinegar, talcum powder, coffee grounds, cayenne pepper and citrus oils. Using any of these items in the right combinations around the areas where ants are being seen is likely to keep them away. Traps can also be used to control their numbers. Glue boards, small containers of syrup and boric acid (used with caution around children and pets) are all effective in trapping.
Cleanliness
It is essential to keep surfaces clean and free of food debris. Ants like sweets and proteins, so eliminating sources of food and making sure everything is wiped down and wiped up is paramount. Keeping a neat, tidy and uncluttered environment will make it harder for ants to thrive.
Environmental Disruption
Getting rid of ants by changing the environment is a very effective way to deter them. Bringing plants or shrubs too close to the home or having a yard or lawn that is too moist can bring them in. Making sure there is adequate drainage away from the house and not having areas of standing water around the home is helpful.
Inspection of entry points
Inspecting where the ants may be coming from is an essential step in controlling them. If they seem to be homing in around baseboards, windows, doorways, thresholds or crevices, these are places to look first. Caulking off those points can be effective in keeping them out.
Expert Insights
The experts explain that the ants avoid things they don’t like, and they can be deterred with the correct ingredients. Detergents, oils, and combinations of all of them can help. Joe Smith, an exterminator in Miami, insists that a combination of vinegar and citrus oils can be used safely around children and pets. John Sharp, another exterminator in Los Angeles, emphasizes that inspecting for entry points is a key part of controlling ants. “Wherever you see ants, make sure to seal off those entry points. Without access, they can’t get in”.
Bait
Setting up baits with a combination of boric acid and sugar mixed with a small amount of water is an effective form of control. Ants will take the bait back to their nests, killing off their colonies. This can also be a preferred method as you can target specific species as opposed to widespread spraying.
Natural Intruders
Bringing in predators such as lizards and frogs can be helpful in controlling ant populations. Lizards may set up camp near windows and doors and can also be found around the yard. They are an entertaining way to keep the ants away and don’t require any labor to maintain.
Indoor Prevention
Placing food in sealed containers and making sure there are no crumbs on the floor can help to keep ants away inside. Wiping up spills, dish washing, and regularly taking out the garbage are all important practices. Ants are very opportunistic and will eat anything they can get their hands on.
Outdoor Prevention
Eliminating sweet-smelling items outside and in the garden will act as a repellent. Keeping a lid on pet food and keeping bait away from areas that children and pets could get to can also reduce instances of ant infestation. Ensuring that flowerpots and leaves are kept away from doorways and windows will aid in preventing their entry.
Resources
Having the right resources on hand to eliminate the ant problem is key. Sprays, dusts, total release canisters, and bait are all effective and shouldn’t be left out. Wearing protective gear such as long sleeves and pants, protective eyewear and a dust mask when applying sprays is suggested.
Action
Taking action quickly when ants appear can ensure that the problem does not become unmanageable. Unobtrusive steps such as sealing cracks and crevices can help keep them out. Placing repellent substances on a variety of areas around the perimeter can also be effective.
Removal
Removing piles of debris, old leaves, and plants that are too close to the home are effective steps in eliminating ant colonies. Removing ant nests and ensuring they don’t return is another powerful way to keep them away. Trimming back overgrown shrubs, bushes and trees can also reduce the likelihood of them nesting close to the home.
Identification
Identifying what type of ant species is entering the home is key in attaining the most effective control methods for the situation. Aquatic ants such as Pharaoh Ants and Carpenter Ants will require different treatment solutions compared to red, black or green ant species.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance can help ensure that ant infestations don’t become an issue. Inspecting vulnerable zones around the home, keeping plants and shrubs cut back and making sure food remains sealed and securely stored is effective. Paying attention to potential wet spots and moist areas outside the home and maintaining a neat and tidy environment will also aid in preventative care.
