How to Get Rid of Ants Permanently in the House?

Ants may be tiny, but when they invade your home, they can become a big concern. Their presence can be not only annoying but also unsanitary. However, with the right approach, you can get rid of the ants. In this guide, we’ll explore what attracts ants to your home, effective methods for eliminating them, insights into professional extermination, and some quick tips for ant control.

What Attracts Ants to Your Home?

Understanding what lures ants into your living space is necessary for effective ant control. Ants are attracted to your home for several reasons:

1. Food sources

Ants are primarily attracted to food residues. They have a sharp sense of smell and can detect even the smallest crumbs. Common food sources include sugary substances like spills, honey, and fruit juices, as well as protein-rich foods like meat scraps and pet food.

2. Moisture

Ants need water to survive, so they’re often drawn to areas with moisture. Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and areas with poor ventilation can create the ideal conditions for ants to thrive.

3. Shelter

Ants seek shelter in protected areas. They’ll enter your home through cracks, gaps around windows and doors, and openings around utility lines. Once inside, they’ll establish nests in wall voids, under floors, or behind appliances.

4. Scents

Ants communicate through pheromones, so strong scents from food, garbage, or even other ants can lead them to your home. Once they find a food source, they’ll leave a pheromone pathway for other ants to follow, leading to a steady stream of invaders.

How to Get Rid of Ants in the House

Now that we know what attracts ants, let’s get into the primary focus of getting rid of these tiny creatures.

1. Maintain cleanliness

The best way to keep ants away is to keep your home clean and free of food debris. Wipe down countertops, sweep floors, and vacuum regularly to remove crumbs and spills. Pay special attention to areas where food is prepared or stored, such as the kitchen and pantry.

2. Seal entry points

You can prevent ants from entering your home by sealing cracks, crevices, and gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines. Or you could use caulk to close off potential entry points and limit access to your living space.

3. Remove stagnant water

Address moisture issues by fixing leaks, repairing dripping faucets and improving ventilation in damp areas of your home, like basements and crawl spaces. If you have pets, then empty pet bowls regularly and wipe down sinks and countertops to eliminate sources of stagnant water.

4. Use natural repellants

Certain scents can deter ants from entering your home. Sprinkle cinnamon, mint leaves, or bay leaves near entry points and ant trails to create a natural barrier. You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water to create a homemade ant repellent spray.

How Do Exterminators Get Rid of Ants?

While DIY methods can be effective, sometimes professional intervention is necessary for severe infestations. Here’s how exterminators tackle ant problems:

Inspection:
Exterminators conduct a thorough assessment to identify the type of ant species, locate nests, and assess the extent of the infestation. They’ll also look for conditions conducive to ant activity, such as moisture issues or structural damage.
Treatment Plan:
Based on their findings, they develop a customised treatment plan using a combination of baits, insecticides, and non-toxic methods. They’ll choose the most effective products and application methods for the specific ant species and infestation level.
Targeted Application:
Exterminators apply treatments strategically, targeting ant colonies, entry points, and harborage areas. They may use liquid sprays, granular baits, or dust formulations to eliminate ants and prevent future infestations.
Follow-Up:
Regular follow-up visits may be necessary to observe the effectiveness of the treatment and make any adjustments as needed. Exterminators will reapply products as needed and provide recommendations for ongoing ant control and prevention.

Ant Control Quick Tips

Apart from the above mentioned detailed methods, here are some quick tips that can help you keep safe from ants.

1. Store food in airtight containers to prevent ants from accessing it.

2. Keep kitchen surfaces clean and dry to eliminate food sources.

3. Trim vegetation away from the perimeter of your home to reduce ant access points.

4. Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels indoors, especially in basements and crawl spaces.

5. Regularly inspect and repair screens on windows and doors to prevent ants from entering your home.

Conclusion

Ants may be persistent pests, but with diligence and persistence, you can keep them out of your home for good. At Truly Nolen, our professionals strive to provide the highest quality pest control services with the latest technology and keep the environment safe. Our procedures are some of the safest, odourless and longest-lasting. With our pest control for ants, you can be sure that you won’t have to worry about ants invading your home again.