While ants are small in stature, an infestation can become a huge nuisance. Aside from being an eyesore, these pesky critters also carry harmful bacteria into your home. However, these easy pest control tips will help you control the situation and keep ants away for good.

A Guide to Pest Control & Ants

1. Close Off Food Sources

Eliminating odor attractants also eliminates ants’ motivation for entering your home. Store food in locations where ants won’t have access. Put food items back in the refrigerator after you’re done with them. Seal pantry items and dry foods in air-tight containers. Keep your indoor and outdoor garbage cans tightly sealed to prevent curious ants from searching for a new food source.

2. Set Out Bait Traps

Ants will follow the same route from their nest to their food source because they emit a chemical compound along the way that’s used as a guided trail for their colony. Once you identify where the critters are coming from, place ant bait along their pathway.

Bait is made with sugary carbohydrates that are mixed with active chemicals like borax or indoxacarb. Ants will carry the bait back to their nesting grounds, and the toxic treat will slowly poison—and eventually kill—the entire colony.

3. Keep Things Clean

One of the biggest preventative pest control measures you can take is keeping your home clean and tidy. Wipe down hard surfaces, like countertops and floors, to keep them free of crumbs and spills. Vinegar-based cleaning solutions are also effective repellents because ants hate the acidic scent.

Don’t clean or sanitize ant trails until you set out bait to eliminate infestations. You’ll want the ants to be able to follow their original path, so they can carry the toxic bait back to their nest.

4. Seal Entryways

Remove access to the inside of your home by closing up accessible openings. Since ants are so tiny, it’s important to seal off areas around window and door frames, dryer vents, wiring entry points, pipes, and outdoor faucets.

Use silicone caulk to seal minute cracks and crevices around your home. This material is too tough for ants to chew through and will effectively keep them out of your house.

If you’re dealing with an ant infestation, trust the professionals at A-Abel Family of Companies in Dayton, OH, to offer solutions. These pest control experts have been helping clients throughout the Greater Miami Valley area since 1937. In addition to pest control services, they also offer cooling and heating repairs, plumbing solutions, and bathroom remodeling services. Representatives are also available 24 hours a day for emergencies. Learn more about their exterminating services online. Call (937) 434-4343 for a free estimate.