Ants, when they get inside your home and establish nests, can be tough to get rid of. To avoid having to call an exterminator, take these steps to stop an ant infestation before it starts.

What Your Exterminator Wants You to Know About Ants

1. Block Access

When you see ants in your house, take a few minutes to follow them to learn where they're getting in. Often a poorly sealed door or window or openings where pipes, wires, and water enter the home are at fault. Walk around the exterior of your home as well and use caulking and sealants to close gaps. And have an exterminator perform an inspection to identify points of entry you may have missed.

2. Eliminate Food & Water

Open food containers attract ants. Keep all food in tightly sealed containers or inside a refrigerator whenever possible. Also, take out your garbage frequently and store your trash cans away from the house. After meals, wipe down all surfaces and sweep the floor to get rid of crumbs. Have leaking pipes and dripping faucets fixed. Like food, water also attracts ants.

3. Get Rid of Ant Trails

When one ant finds its way into your home, others will follow. Ants that scout for food and water leave chemical trails that other ants can smell. Spraying a mixture of water and vinegar along your doors and foundation to disrupt ant trails can help keeps ants out of your house.

When you need an exterminator, choose Denning Pest Control. Based in Jefferson City, MO, and serving all of Central Missouri, including Columbia, they have 60 years of experience with ants, termites, bedbugs, and other household pets. They continue to offer affordable, friendly, and effective extermination services based on 60 years of experience. To schedule, call (573) 442-4010 or send a message online.