The flowers are blooming and the weather is warming. Spring is in the air. With the change of season comes the return of pests in your home. Ants, one of the more common home invaders, are annoying and are known for spreading bacteria. Certain species, like carpenter ants, can be the culprit for costly structural damage to your home. Here are some tips so you can spring into action against ants.
Eliminate Water Sources
Leaky pipes, standing puddles of water in bathrooms, and moist areas under sinks and the HVAC system make great sources of water for ants. Simply adding a dehumidifier in crawl spaces, basements, and attics can go a long way in battling these little soldiers. Look outside as well to ensure proper function of gutters, downspouts, and faucets.
Use Ant Bait Indoors
While pesticide sprays can kill ants, your objective is to control ants. It is far wiser to control the entire ant population in your home by offering minimal toxicity bait that can be transported to the ants’ nest. When a spray is utilized, the ants killed are only the ones that are visible. Sweet, sugary carbohydrates or liquids mixed with substances toxic to ants are ideal. Consider, however, the pets and small children in your home. Work to move bait into areas where access is controlled and far from your precious family.
Monitor Your Pets
Pets and their food and water bowls can be an open invitation for ants. Check your pets each time they enter and exit the home for ants and other insects such as fleas and ticks. Clean up after your pets regularly. Store their food and treats in air-tight plastic containers rather than the original packaging. Monitor pet doors to ensure the weather-tight seal remains intact.
Identify Ant Trails
Identifying trails used by worker ants to move back and forth between their nest and food sources is critical. When ants make themselves visible in your home, notate the location to help you determine the best plan of attack. The trail is how food is brought back to the nest for feeding. Replacing the food source with bait can help eliminate the nest from within.
Contact a Professional
Spring is the ideal time to contact a local pest management professional. Ask for a seasonal inspection to identify any potential areas of concern or threats to your home during the spring and summer months. Each year, the pest pressure is different. Working with a professional will help you be proactive against ants and, together, determine a proactive and preventative approach to pest-proof your home from the marching army of pests.
Install EPA-Registered TAP® Pest Control Insulation
TAP® Pest Control Insulation is a pesticide (EPA#89140-1) proven to control ants and other common household pests that nest in attics and walls. Contracting with a local pest management professional to install TAP® in your home helps your war on ants and provides you a more energy-efficient home that saves you money on your annual heating and cooling costs. TAP® Pest Control Insulation provides a level of comfort in any home.
If you are ready to spring into action against ants but need additional information, contact your local pest management professional or contact us.