Ants In Your Home Or Business: What Can Be Done?

Ants in a home or business can be a disaster. In a business, they can get your building shut down or cause your customers to leave. In either type of property, they lead to cleanliness concerns. There are steps to prevent ants, but if you’re seriously concerned, you should work with an expert to completely remove the ants.

Hire Professionals

The best method of controlling ants is to hire pest control professionals. They will determine the type of ants on your property and find their entry points. With this information, they’ll be able to suggest the best method of ant control. It’s important that you follow any advice they leave you with, and have them follow up after a few days to check the progress of the prevention methods.

Trying to Do It Yourself

You can take minor steps to control ants. These include removing food sources and killing ants when you see them. However, these methods are ineffective against an infestation as they only target the ants you see. Also, since there are many types of ants, individual infestations require specific treatments that may not be available with DIY methods.

Remove the Food Source

Remove potential food sources that attract the ants. In homes, pay close attention to the kitchen. Businesses should focus on the break room or other food preparation areas. Don’t forget to inspect any areas where people eat, such as the living room. Seal all leftovers and put them away. Put food scraps in a closed garbage can, and empty and clean the trashcan often. Dishes should not linger in the sink for an extended period.

Minimize Moisture

Ants need moisture and search for it. Fix water leaks throughout the building. Avoid decorative water features, such as fountains or birdbaths, when ants are a problem. Check for drainage issues on the property. Ensure downspouts and gutters point away from the building.

Seal All Entry Points

Ants can enter tiny gaps, cracks, and holes in your building. Ensure areas where pipes or wires enter the building are well sealed. Trim back branches that pose risk of creating structural damage. Clean the exterior often to remove ants’ scent trails (they use these to lead their colony to a new location). Pest control professionals can readily identify these entry points and seal them off.

Take Away Shelter

Ants can find homes in rock piles, wood piles, mulch, tree stumps, discarded cardboard boxes, and other garbage. Move potential shelter at least several feet from the home or business.

Use Insecticide

The best way to resolve an ant problem is with insecticide. Always use an insecticide that targets the specific ant infesting your home or business. This is why you must work with professionals. They will be able to identify the ant and determine the best locations to apply insecticide. Bait stations are ideal, as the foraging ant will bring some back for its colony to eat. This takes care of the entire colony as opposed to just the ants you see.

Are you concerned about ants in your house or workplace? Contact JP Pest Services to request a free residential estimate or a free commercial consultation today! Our service professionals understand the specific requirements to keep New England homes and businesses free from unwanted pests and are dedicated to solving your pest problems.