Ants are one of the most common household pests homeowners have to deal with. If you aren’t careful, these critters will quickly invade your residence and infest your kitchen as they go in search of food. In most cases, it’s easier to prevent an ant problem than it is to get rid of one. Take a few careful steps to keep ants at bay. 

Preventing Ants in the Kitchen 

Eliminate Their Food Source 

The main reason ants enter a home is to look for food. Eliminating their ability to find a food source can help to prevent them from coming inside. Be sure to keep food stored in tightly sealed containers, take the kitchen trash out regularly, and don’t leave dirty dishes with leftover food on the counters or in the sink. Also, remove any kitchen items that would naturally attract ants, such as fruit baskets.  

Keep Surfaces & Appliances Clean 

Maintaining a clean kitchen is key to deterring an ant infestation. Sweep and vacuum on a routine basis to get rid of any crumbs that have fallen to the floor, and clean appliances frequently to remove lingering remnants of food. Ants are also attracted to sweet, sticky substances, so it’s important to wipe up spills right away, especially if it’s something that contains sugar. 

Seal Cracks & Entrances 

While you want to prevent ants from finding any food sources in your kitchen, it’s best to keep them from ever gaining access to your house in the first place. Search for any areas around your home that could be potential entry points, and close them off. Seal any cracks in the foundation and around windows and doorframes, and replace any old, cracked weather stripping. 

Since ant colonies reproduce the slowest during winter, this is a good time to exterminate. The professionals at Advanced Termite & Pest Control offer residents throughout the Cumberland, Bledsoe, and Putnam counties of Tennessee effective solutions for disposing of ant nests before they become a problem indoors. With more than 15 years of experience, they have successfully helped numerous clients maintain ant-free households by using the latest equipment and techniques. Call (866) 636-2687 to schedule an inspection of your property, or visit them online for more information about their pest control services.