While ants aren’t dangerous in the sense that they don’t spread any deadly diseases, they can still be a big pain to deal with when you find you have an infestation of them in your yard or house. They seemingly come from nowhere, and can be very difficult to entirely get rid of.
The biggest reason ants will invade your home is because of food. They will generally set up nests by your driveway or patio and then send out search parties to look for anything sugary or greasy in your home.
This might seem obvious, but the first line of defense against an ant infestation is keeping your house clean. Don’t leave any food out and keep your kitchen surfaces clean. If you happen to see any scout ants milling about, kill them immediately. You also want to make sure there are no openings or cracks where they can sneak in. Look for possible entry points such as cracks under windows and in walls. Caulk any potential entry points.
If it’s too late, and you already have a full on invasion taking place, here are some DIY methods to deal with these pests. Start by using soap and water to wash any areas where ants are appearing. You might also want to add a little citrus to increase the effectiveness. Another option is to purchase baited ant traps or pest sprays from your local convenience store. It is also a good idea to not only treat the inside of your house but to also spray around the outside where your house meets the ground. One good solution to use is a mixture of Windex, vinegar, and water.
Of course, if the situation gets too out of control, make sure you call your local pest control professional to deal with the invasion once and for all.
Have you ever had an ant problem? How did you deal with it?
