Ant Prevention Tips

Serving Louisiana & Mississippi

If you have never encountered ants in your house, office or school, count yourself among the lucky few. But if you’re like most people, you’ve 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. Ants are the number one nuisance pest in the United States, making it important to learn the best ant prevention tips. 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.

However, there are some simple steps that homeowners can take to reduce your chances of unintentionally inviting ants into your home. Keep reading for our top tips for preventing ants.

How to Keep Ants Away

There are several ant prevention tips that work to reduce your chances of getting an infestation. To know how to keep ants out, try out the following methods:

1. Keep a clean kitchen.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. Finally, use a lid on trashcans and dispose of garbage regularly.
2. Eliminate water sources for ants. Reducing moisture and standing water around your home can go a long way to help keep ants away. 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.
3. Clean up after your pets. Cats, dogs and other pets can inadvertently invite ants into your home. Their food and water bowls are an attractant for pests, so be sure to keep pet bowls clean and clean up any spilled food or water 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.

Ant Problem Prevention

When it comes to prevent ants altogether, it’s important to know how they got in in the first place. 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. Seal any cracks and crevices on the outside of the home with silicone caulk, paying special attention to areas where utility pipes enter. By inspecting your property, you can effectively keep ants away for good!

How to Keep Ants Out For Good

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 can cause serious property damage (like carpenter ants) and others (like fire ants) can pose health threats to your family. Even species that are considered nuisance pests (like odorous house ants) can contaminate food. To avoid the frustration of an ant problem, it’s best to call an ant exterminator. The team at Presto-X, formerly Fischer Environmental can control any current infestations and help you learn the best ant prevention tips to keep them away for good.

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