How to Get Rid of Ants
There are around 12,000 species of ants all over the world. While some of them are harmless, some are poisonous. Even non-poisonous ants can bite, leaving behind blistering and painful wounds. That is why it is essential that you get rid of ants to protect your family and health. Odorous house ants are the most common to invade homes. These small dark brown or black ants are more of a nuisance than a threat.
Tips for Getting Rid of Ants
Odorous ants sometimes referred to as sugar ants or stink ants, are a species that is attracted to sugary foods. This is an important fact to keep in mind when attempting to get rid of an ant population that has taken up residence in a home. Taking the following steps will help to ensure an ant problem is properly eliminated.
- Sanitation
If this step is not carried out, all other methods will fail. It is imperative proper sanitation is practiced in the home to be successful in your pest control in getting rid of ants. To ultimately clear your home of ants, keep all surfaces clean and free of food residue is essential. All leftovers should be immediately placed in sealed containers and dishes and sinks should be washed after meal preparation and eating. - Sealing
Ants can enter a home through the most minute cracks. Sealing the cracks is essential for preventing ants from entering the home and essentially getting rid of them by cutting them off from their colony. This can be done with silicone caulk. - Fix Leaks
While it is impossible to eliminate all water sources, fixing leaks and damp areas is important for keeping ants away and getting rid of them for good. - Eliminate Ant Trails
Ants communicate with scent trails that alert other ants of food sources or dangers. Spraying these areas with a vinegar and water spray can eliminate the scents left behind by ants. - How To Get Rid of Ants in the Yard Ants in your yard are a nuisance and they can cause serious damage to your exterior property. To get rid of ants outside, first mow your lawn and reduce overgrow shrubbery. Next, spray insecticide on any problem areas of your lawn, plants, greenery, shrubs and trees. The best times to spray these problem areas to get rid of the most ants, is in the early morning and late afternoon when ants are most active.
- Bait
Bait stations are one of the most effective methods of getting rid of ants. With bait stations, adult ants consume the pesticide and take it to their babies and colony, so all stages of growth are eliminated.
Conclusion
Getting rid of ants takes time but is worth the effort. Taking the above steps will help to eradicate and clear the ant population in a home and prevent a new colony from populating.
If you need professional assistance in how to get rid of ants in your home or apartment, any number of qualified pest exterminators are more than willing to help. You can find the best professional pest exterminator near you today in our extensive pest exterminator directory.