Ants are close relatives of bees and wasps. They live in colonies of up to half a million ants, with worker ants living for up to 7 years and the queen for up to 15 years. Although small, they can be both persistent and a real nuisance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to tackle an ant infestation, to help ensure your home remains ant-free.
If however things do get out of hand, remember that Rentokil is here to assist you with our professional ant control services.
Identify Entry Points:
As with most pest infestation the first step in managing an ant infestation is to figure out where they’re coming in. Inspect your doors, windows, and any gaps or cracks in your walls as well as paying attention to the areas around pipes to see if you can see any ants marching in (i.e. an ant trail). Once you’ve located their entry points, you can then take action to seal it off.
Seal Cracks and Gaps:
Ants are very small and can find their way through even the tiniest openings. Use caulk or sealant to close up any cracks or gaps that ants might be using as entry points. If you have any damaged weather stripping/board or loose door/window screens, repair or replace them to help prevent ants from entering your property this way.
Keep Your Home Clean:
Ants usually enter homes in search of food and water, and will be attracted to food scraps and crumbs, so keeping your home clean is essential. Regularly wipe down kitchen surfaces, sweep up crumbs, and store food in airtight containers. Make sure your bins have tight-fitting lids to prevent ants from finding leftovers. Don’t forget to clean pet food bowls and utensils promptly. Ants are just as happy to eat your pet’s leftovers as they are yours!
Dry Up Any Moisture Sources:
Ants not only seek out food, but also require water to survive. Fix any leaking pipes or taps to eliminate potential water sources. Ensure that your bathroom is dry after use, and address any water build-up in your kitchen or laundry/utility area promptly. A dry home will be less appealing to ants.
Use DIY Ant Bait Traps:
Ant bait traps, such as Rentokil Ant Killer Gel, can provide an effective way of dealing with an ant infestation. These traps contain a substance that attracts ants, which they then carry back to their nest and share with the colony. The result is the elimination of the entire colony.
Place these traps in areas where you’ve seen ant activity. Common spots include near their entry points, along ant trails, or in areas where you’ve noticed a high concentration of ants. Be patient; it may take some time for the bait to work its magic and eliminate the colony.
Preventing Future Ant Infestations:
Once you’ve successfully eliminated an ant infestation, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future problems. Here are some tips to keep your home or business ant-free in the long term:
Maintain Cleanliness: Continue to keep your home clean and free of food scraps. Regularly wipe down surfaces, sweep up crumbs, and store food in airtight containers.
Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and openings, and seal them as needed to prevent ants from re-entering.
Landscaping: Trim back tree branches and shrubs that come into contact with your home, as these can serve as bridges for ants to enter. Keep vegetation away from the exterior walls.
Regular Maintenance: Stay vigilant with regular maintenance, such as fixing leaky pipes or taps, to eliminate water sources that ants need.
Professional Inspections: Consider scheduling regular professional inspections to help catch potential ant problems before they become a full-blown infestation.
In conclusion, dealing with ants in your home can be a frustrating experience, but it’s not impossible. By identifying entry points, sealing cracks, maintaining cleanliness, and using ant bait traps, you can significantly reduce ant activity in your home.
If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rentokil for professional ant control services on 0818 882 348.
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