As per Wikipedia, there are 22,000 different species of ants in the world. Ants are quite diverse and enter homes mainly in search of food and shelter. Keeping ants away can be achieved through several methods, ranging from natural ways to chemical treatments. Here are some effective strategies to prevent ant infestation:
Natural Methods
1. Cleanliness: Keeping your home clean, especially the kitchen, is vital to keep all kinds of pests at bay. Make sure you wipe down surfaces, mop floors, and keep food covered and stashed away.
2. Vinegar Solution: White Vinegar can act as an ant deterrent. Mix white vinegar and water in equal parts and spray this mixture around entry points and areas where ants are spotted.
3. Lemon Juice: Ants follow trails. One way to stop their entry is to wipe away the trails other ants leave behind. Lemon juice can disrupt the scent trails ants follow. Spraying a solution of lemon juice and water near entry points or wherever ants have been spotted helps with ant control.
4. Essential Oils: Ants are repelled by strong smells like that of peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oil. You can mix a few drops of these essential oil(s) with water and this solution around your home to prevent ants from invading your home.
5. Cinnamon and Cloves: These spices are great natural repellents. Try sprinkling them, in powdered form, around windowsills, doorways, and other nooks and corners to prevent entry of ants.
6. Diatomaceous Earth: This natural powder can be sprinkled around entry points to prevent ants from entering your home. Diatomaceous earth is harmless to humans and pets but deadly for ants.
7. Chalk and Baby Powder: Unbelievable but true. Chalk and baby powder be used to prevent ants from entering. Easy way to use these two substances is to draw a line around the entry points. This creates a barrier these ants cannot cross.
Chemical Methods
1. Ant Baits: Baits are usually a combination of ant food plus insecticide. These ant baits should be placed in areas where ants are spotted. Baits should be slow acting so that ants can carry the poison back to their colony, and infect other ants as well. This will help in reducing the ant population effectively.
2. Insecticide Sprays: Over the counter sprays can also be used for ant control. You should read the instructions carefully before using these products. Wear a glove and mask before using these sprays to prevent involuntary inhalation of these products. Then spray around the perimeter of your home and on ant trails for best results.
3. Barrier Treatments: Like chalk and baby powder, store bought insecticide granules can be placed around the outside of your house to create a barrier.
Preventive Measures
1. Seal Entry Points: This is the most basic yet the most effective preventive measure for ant pest control. All you need to do is to carry out thorough checks and then seal cracks, holes, and other entry points in your windows and doors. Do not let them enter your homes. Period.
2. Remove Food Sources: We cannot say this enough. Store food in airtight containers and clean up crumbs and spills promptly! Find and clean the mess before ants find them.
3. Maintain Yard or storage spaces: Keep your yard, pantry, basements and other storage areas clean and free of debris. Unclean areas can harbor ant colonies.
4. Repair Leaks: Many pests are attracted to warmth and moisture. Ants are no different. Ants are attracted to moisture. Hence it is imperative to fix any leaks and dry out the damp areas.
These may sound like a lot of work but these are effective ways to prevent ant infestation. However, if you have tried all of these and the ants are still out of control and refuse to leave your premises, then it is recommended you call a professional pest control company to handle the problem at hand. Golden Falcon has excellent ant control solution designed for your need. Never let ants take over your home or offices. Get a quote from us today!
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