For people, warmer weather usually means they want to spend a little more time outside After months of being cooped up indoors. Unfortunately, the opposite seems to be true for ants. As spring weather approaches, you're more likely to find ants crawling around your kitchen, pantry, and other areas of your home, especially where you store food. Once ants have invaded your home, it is difficult to get rid of them at home.
Good news: Unlike cockroaches, which are difficult to kill, ants do not carry disease, so their presence does not pose a health risk. However, depending on the type of ant, can It can cause damage to your home (plus, having insects living freely around your food can be…horrible). Here, expert entomologists and pest control experts share their best tips on how to get rid of ants quickly and permanently, and how to prevent them from coming back.
table of contents
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Where do ants come from?
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What attracts ants to your home?
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how to get rid of ants
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How will climate change affect ant infestations?
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Are ants harmful to humans or pets, and can they damage furniture?
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How to get rid of carpenter ants
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How can I prevent the ants from coming back?
Where do ants come from?
There are more than 700 species of ants in the United States, but only a few cause infestations that can move inside your home, says Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE), director of nearby Mosquito Joe Inc. said David Price, director of technical services. company.
“Ants that are attracted to the foundation of a house are looking for water, sugar and protein,” he explains. “The types of ants that typically live on counters, sinks, dishwashers, and floors are drawn into your home by moisture.”
Price said changes in the weather or the depletion of outdoor food sources can cause ants to move indoors.
What attracts ants to your home?
Price says too much water near your home's foundation can attract ants, and leaving things like pet food, sweet bread crumbs, and sugar granules on counters and floors can help ants when they get inside. It added that it could attract ants.
Additionally, unsanitary items such as dirty dishes left in the sink or trash that isn't regularly disposed of can become food for ants, said Frank Meek, technical services manager at Orkin. I am.
“The types of food that are most attractive to ants vary by species, but most ants will consume sugar at some point in addition to fats, carbohydrates, and protein,” Meek says. “Ant's food preferences and needs change from day to day, and in some cases from hour to hour throughout his day.”
how to get rid of ants
Over-the-counter liquid ant bait stations can be effective, Price says, but they must be installed outside A place where the road is visible at the foundation of a house or balcony. If you keep them indoors, you can accidentally draw ants into your home, making the infestation even worse.
For commercially available liquid spray products, these should be applied before entering around the foundation to repel future foragers.
Price recommends spraying in the spring and every two months throughout the summer and fall, as ants remain active in their colonies through the winter.
DIYers can also try this non-toxic homemade ant killer made with baking soda and powdered sugar to keep ants out of your kitchen.
And if you still can't resolve your ant problem, FarmSense entomologist Dr. Tracy Ellis says to consider calling several pest control services and discussing their approach, adding, “Spot treatments are may be better, but it will only affect the ants,” he added. There are only a few out of thousands in the entire colony. ”
How will climate change affect ant infestations?
Drastic changes in weather can signal ant populations to move to higher ground or go deeper underground, Price said. Additionally, it causes disruption of food sources, leading to more aggressive foraging.
“Ants are sensitive to changes in temperature,” Meek explains. “When environmental conditions change, many species are able to expand their territory and move into new ecosystems. In some cases, invasive species adapt. In other cases, they take over. , may cause harm.”
Are ants harmful to humans or pets, and can they damage furniture?
While the majority of ants are a nuisance to humans, a small number of ants are known to carry pathogens to other surfaces, where they can be picked up by humans, Meek said, adding that ants, such as fire ants, “Other species can cause pain,” he added. Can cause stings that are potentially dangerous to people and animals. ”
However, the ants that you should be especially careful about are: Carpenter ant.
Mild points out that carpenter ants can cause further damage to wood already damaged by water damage and rot. In some areas of the United States, carpenter ants can cause significant damage to the wood of homes and buildings.
How to get rid of carpenter ants
Ellis says you should always be on guard to prevent the ants from returning, spotting the first signs of a small infestation and acting before it progresses. She also says proper identification is key.
“Ants range from harmless to stinging, some emit odors, and some dig into trees to build their nests,” she explains. “To find out what kind of harm and damage ants can cause and how to get rid of them, safely trap 8 to 10 intact ants and bring them to a pest control company, university extension, or local entomologist. Submit it for identification.”
How can I prevent the ants from coming back?
Price said there are several things renters and homeowners can do indoors and outdoors to reduce the number of ants invading their homes.
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Be careful not to get moisture directly on the foundation.
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Keep mulch, leaves, and vegetation at least 10 to 12 inches from the foundation.
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Cut back tree branches and shrubs that touch your home so that ants can't use them as a bridge to get into your home.
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Move piles of lumber, firewood, bricks, and stones away from the exterior walls of your home.
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Clean up spilled food and food particles indoors as soon as possible.
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Rinse all food and beverage containers thoroughly before placing them in the trash or recycling bin.
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Remove food debris from the sink after washing dishes and utensils, and clean the strainer in the sink drain that collects food debris.
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Store food in airtight containers or refrigerate.
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If possible, avoid leaving pet food out continuously.
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Check both indoor and outdoor water sources for leaks.
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Seal gaps, cracks, and holes around windows, doors, and foundations.