As temperatures rise, ants become more active, searching for food, water, and shelter. Here in the Pacific Northwest, our common ant species include odorous ants, carpenter ants, pavement ants, and thief ants. Most of these ants are nothing more than a nuisance, however, if left alone, it is possible for ants to invade and colonize your home. By following these five suggestions, you can rid your home of these persistent pests.
#1. Ants are attracted to food. It is important to understand that an ant’s diet can change depending on the season. During the spring, ants focus on reproduction and growth. This causes the ant to find food sources that contain high amounts of fats and proteins. When focusing on these nutrients, the ants are able to develop their colony faster. In the summer, as the colonies quickly increase in size, they search for carbohydrates to sustain their population. Make sure that as you are wiping off counters and cleaning your kitchen, all crumbs and spills are cleaned up.
#2. Just like humans, ants need water in order to survive. If you come across any leaks or spills, it is important to clean them up to avoid any standing water. You may want to consider avoiding pet water and food being left out for long periods of time.
#3. Ants will often build their colonies outside. This makes yard clean-up imperative. Ways to keep your yard clean include sealing garbage and keeping your garbage cans clean, as well as frequently spraying off or cleaning your patio area. This keeps your yard and patio free of potential crumbs and spills that would attract ants to your home.
#4. If you notice an ant trail, consider using a mixture of vinegar and water to clean and disrupt their pheromone line.
#5. If you see ants near your home and notice an ant line, follow where the ants are going to determine the source. Oftentimes, ants will lead you to their colony where you can further inspect what types of ants you are working with and how to eliminate them. Sometimes, you will find that the source isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. It could simply be as small as a crumb that was left out or a bowl of water.
If you find yourself struggling with an ant invasion, reach out to your local Insight Pest Solutions for further assistance.
