Your Go-To Ant Prevention Guide
Ants can be kept out of your home for good, but it takes the right tools and a little persistence. This easy-to-follow guide offers practical advice to help you stay ahead of the problem. But remember to keep in mind that ant prevention isn’t one-size-fits-all. Identifying what type of ants you’re dealing with and what’s attracting them will help you determine the most effective steps to take, and whether professional pest services might be worth the effort.
Where You’ll Usually Spot Ants
If ants are in your home, they’re probably searching for food or water. Even when they appear in other areas, they’re typically scouting out supplies. If you suspect there’s ants in your home, check the following hiding spots.- Bathrooms near water sources: toilets, sinks and tubs
- Traveling through air vents
- Near the edges of the ceiling, floor boards and baseboards
- Kitchens
- Dining Rooms
- Window and door frames
What You Can Do to Keep Them Out
Stopping ants before they settle in is far easier than trying to remove them later. These easy steps can help keep your home ant-free.
Keep Surfaces and Floors Clean
Cleanliness goes a long way when it comes to deterring ants. If they can’t find a food source, they’re likely to move on.- Maintain a crumb-free kitchen by cleaning up food spills right away.
- Regularly clean floors and counters to deter ants.
- Wipe surfaces with soapy water to erase any scent trails ants might use.
- Use airtight containers to store pantry goods and snacks.
- Keep fresh fruit in the fridge once it ripens.
- Empty trash bins often and ensure they close tightly.
- Don’t leave pet food or water sitting out after mealtime, ants could pick up on the scent.
Find and Seal Entry Points
Ants can fit through the tiniest of crevices. Sealing up any cracks on your property can reduce the chance of ants getting in dramatically.- Check the outside of your home regularly for small gaps, holes, or cracks that ants could use to get in. If you notice any, seal them right away.
- Inspect the seals around your doors and windows. If there are any spaces, weatherstripping can block them effectively.
- Install screens when possible to create another barrier against ants.
Tidy Up Your Yard and Outdoor Areas
Outdoor clutter can make your home more attractive to ants. Clean landscaping helps deter ants from taking an interest in your home.
- Ants can travel from trees and shrubs straight into your home, so prune back any growth that’s too close.
- Fallen leaves and twigs create ideal nesting spots. Compost what you can to keep the area clear.
- Make sure your yard drains properly and avoid letting water sit still. Damp environments tend to attract ant activity.
- Use inorganic mulch like stone instead of pine straw or wood chips near your home’s foundation.
- Store firewood far from your home’s exterior to reduce the chances of attracting pests, including ants and termites.
Fix Potential Moisture Problems
Too much moisture indoors can create conditions that ants love. Tackle any water issues right away to control indoor moisture.
- Stay on top of plumbing issues by fixing leaks and regularly inspecting under sinks for unexpected dampness. If you notice anything strange, be sure to figure out why.
- Run a dehumidifier in spots prone to dampness, like crawl spaces or basements.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear and properly channeling water away from your house.
Are Natural Ant Repellents Worth Trying?
Natural treatments usually discourage ants from entering in the first place, but they’re rarely effective if ants have already moved in. Use them as part of your prevention plan, and contact a pest professional if the problem gets worse.
Essential Oils
Aromatic oils like peppermint, tea tree, and citrus can be used as ant deterrents. Add a few drops to water in a spray bottle and apply it where ants tend to gather or find their way inside.
Vinegar
The strong scent of vinegar can interfere with the pheromone trails ants use to communicate. Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then apply it to high-traffic ant areas to confuse and repel them.
Diatomaceous Earth
This natural substance, made from fossilized organisms, is abrasive to insects, but safe for humans and pets when it’s food-grade. Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where ants are traveling. If it doesn’t seem to help, the infestation may require professional treatment.
Coffee Grounds
Scattering used coffee grounds near entry points can help repel ants. It’s a simple solution, but not always a tidy one. If you want a cleaner, more dependable result, pest control experts can offer better options.
Do Professional Services Keep Ants Away Long-Term?
Yes. While DIY methods can offer a temporary fix, professional pest control provides long-lasting relief. With their training and tools, pest technicians can treat both the interior and exterior of your home to prevent re-infestation.
Are Perimeter Applications Effective for Ant Control?
Yes, they are. These treatments involve applying ant repellents, sprays, and baits to the outside of your home. When done properly, they destroy actively invading ants and create a protective zone to discourage future activity.
Do Regular Home Inspections Make a Difference?
Absolutely. Routine inspections are one of the best ways to stop ant problems before they escalate. Our team can help identify potential entry points, moisture issues, and other factors that could be drawing ants in.
Let’s Get Your Ant Problem Under Control
Whether you’re spotting a few ants or dealing with a colony, Cooper Pest Solutions can take care of it. We’ll evaluate your home, recommend a treatment plan, and help you stay ahead of future problems.
Reach out today to schedule your no-cost inspection.
Ant Prevention FAQs
What is the best ant repellent?
Peppermint and tea tree oils can disrupt ant activity temporarily, but they don’t offer a complete fix. For colony elimination and future prevention, professional pest control is the most effective route.
What is the best prevention for ants?
Consistency is the key to successful ant prevention. Clean regularly, store food in airtight containers, reduce indoor moisture, and seal cracks around the home. For dependable long-term defense, supplement these habits with professional pest services.
What can I put down to keep ants away?
You can try natural remedies like essential oils, vinegar, or borax to keep ants at bay, but their effects are usually short-lived. If ants keep coming back, professional-grade treatments offer a stronger line of defense.
How do farmers keep ants away?
To protect their fields, farmers may use natural deterrents, manage vegetation, and encourage beneficial predators. Still, when infestations grow, many rely on pest control companies to deliver more lasting protection.
How do you make ants go away permanently?
Cutting off food and water sources, sealing entry points, and disturbing nests are all part of the solution. Long-term success often comes from working with pest control specialists who know how to keep ants from returning.