Do you have an ant issue in your home or business? Here are some tips to help get rid of these unwelcome visitors:
- Ants are foragers and are always looking for food. They prefer sugary foods and will find any crumb left on the floor or counter. It is important to keep a clean home to avoid drawing them inside. Immediately wipe counters, sweep floors and clean dishes to remove crumbs and spills that bring ants inside.
- Ants are drawn to water. Be sure to repair leaking pipes and faucets to avoid this. Keep pet bowls wiped and filled only when pets are drinking. Wipe up standing water, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Take into consideration the perimeter of the home. Be sure to prune any vegetation touching the house. This eliminates opportunities for ants to access via “bridges” on the plants or trees. Also be sure to switch outdoor lights to yellow bulbs. Ants prefer white and blue wavelengths, so yellow will drive them away.
- Take out the trash regularly so food waste doesn’t accumulate. Vacuum and mop daily, focusing on dining areas. Deep clean the kitchen weekly, especially under appliances. Inspect pet food in sealed containers and avoid overfilling water bowls. Clean up ripe fruit that falls from trees and shrubs outside.
- Need professional help? Have a pest control professional apply a repellent spray around the exterior foundation. This keeps ants from entering in the first place.
If you would like to learn about ant control for your home, please contact us for a free inspection. We offer residential pest control and commercial pest control for the greater Capital District area including Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga and Rensselaer Counties.