Ants can quickly infest a house if they find a reliable source of food. The fastest way to get rid of them is to use a chemical insecticide or any number of homemade remedies such as corn starch or diatomaceous earth. Local exterminators can also eliminate ant problems quickly. Calls about ant problems are the No. 1 issue we see in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Our warm, hot, and wet summers are the ideal conditions for ant colonies. Our region's growth and construction of new homes, shopping centers, and other buildings can also disturb colonies.
In this article, we will review why you may have ants in your house, how to get rid of them, as well as how to prevent them from coming inside in the first place.
Why Do I Have Ants in My Home?
Ants can invade your home for food and shelter. Dropped crumbs on the floor or open containers of food will quickly attract ants. Most ants are especially drawn to sugary foods and liquids.
Ants will easily take advantage of vulnerable areas such as torn window screens, unsealed door frames, or holes in the wall and make their way inside.
Ants are also attracted to areas of standing water such as leaks in sinks or spilled drinks. Like most critters, they also need a place to nest. What provides better protection from the elements than your house?
How Do I Get Rid of the Ants in My House?
There are several ways to get rid of ants that have invaded your house. You can purchase a basic insecticide spray at many retail stores. Ant traps in cupboards or corners where the ants will most likely travel can also be helpful.
Borax, boric acid, corn starch, and diatomaceous earth can be effective alternatives. However, using too much of a product such as boric acid can be dangerous. Ants leave a pheromone trail of scent chemicals to let others know where the food is. Cleaning products will help eliminate these trails.
When all else fails, call a local exterminator such as My Pest Pros based in Fairfax, Virginia to help you get rid of your ant problem. These professionals know exactly where to look for the places where ants tend to come in, how to effectively eliminate the bugs, as well to prevent them from returning.
What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Ants in the House?
Along with having your local pest control company set up traps and spray for ants on a regular basis, there are other prevention methods you can employ to keep ants out of your house.
Always make sure that crumbs and spills are cleaned up so there is nothing to attract the ants. Additionally, keep all opened food in sealed containers and immediately address any leaks, especially in the kitchen. Seal up any cracks or holes in the house and destroy any anthills outside your house that are close to the foundation.
Certain sprays and natural oils such as peppermint, cinnamon, vinegar, tea tree, black pepper, and coffee grounds are also effective deterrents for ants. Keep ants out of your kitchen and your house with these tips today!