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5 natural ways to get rid of ants

Abell Pest Control

Ants play a vital role in our ecosystem. Ants are ecologically important in soil aeration and nutrient recycling as predators and are prey for many other species.

It is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 trillion ants in the world! As a result, they are always looking for food and harborage and invade homes everywhere.

Although ants are seldom involved in disease transmission, their sheer numbers can be overwhelming to homeowners. Ants are one of the top nuisance pests, and most people will encounter ants in the home at some point in the spring and summer. It’s important to take proactive steps to eliminate ants when you first see them and reduce the likelihood of an infestation.

Abell recommends that homeowners follow these tips to stop ants from marching one by one into their homes:

Exterior

  • Regular upkeep of your garden is more than just aesthetically pleasing. It can help prevent ants from getting inside. By keeping shrubs, trees, tree stumps, and firewood away from your home, you help prevent them from getting inside, and you can easily detect any ant trails, preventing an infestation.
  • Seal Off Cracks & Entrances to Your Home - Ants only need tiny gaps to enter the house from outside. Sealing gaps around doors, windows, pipes, conduits, and other utility lines will prevent ant entry. Please keep in mind that expanding foam is NOT a recommended sealant. Prune any tree branches touching the exterior wall or roof to prevent ants from gaining access. Also, check the driveways for cracks through which ants are emerging and seal them appropriately.
  • Remove food sources and keep compost bins away from the exterior walls as they attract ants and other pests. Clean up any food or beverage spills promptly to remove a food attractant to the ants.
  • Look for nests in the soil or lawn. Follow the trails to see if they are heading towards the house. If they are, seal the point of entry. Mounds of dirt are another indicator of ant activity.
  • Get rid of any moisture or water accumulation from leaking pipes, garden hoses, air conditioning units, or improperly aligned eaves and repair them close to the home.

Interior

  • Keep surfaces clean and remove any food or beverage spills to eliminate a food source for ants. Vacuum sweep or mop floors regularly as this eliminates crumbs and potential food sources for ants inside your home. Wipe down surfaces for spills as ants are also attracted to sweet and sticky substances.
  • Seal any gaps in doors, window frames, along baseboards, utility entry points with good quality caulk to prevent ant entry.
  • Store food in air-tight containers to prevent ants (and other pests) from gaining access to food.
  • Repair any leaks in the kitchen, washroom, basement, and around the washer and dryer to prevent ant activity, more so for carpenter ants.

Contact a professional pest control company such as Abell Pest Control for further assistance.


About the author:

Since 1924, Abell Pest Control has provided quality services, protecting our customers and their patrons from coast-to-coast. Our customers enjoy the expertise and resources of a national provider. Prouder yet, we are members of your community, ready to service your home or business 24/7.

We are reliable experts in pest control—experts who care. At Abell Pest Control, we bring experience, efficacy and knowledge to customers who are looking for a fast, safe and effective solution to their pest problem.

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