It may be easy to overlook a few ants found around the house, but here are some reasons why it is important to treat ants upon their first sighting. Addressing an ant issue early on is paramount when it comes to preventing infestations.
It’s a common misconception that a small number of ants are harmless. Ants are extremely social insects and will always come in large colonies. Ants are constantly hunting for three things: water, food, and shelter. When a few ants find one of the three necessities, they leave a trail of pheromones for their colony to follow.
Pheromones are a chemical that is secreted by an ant that triggers a social response to other members of the ant colony. When a few ants find either food, water, or shelter, near your home, they will lead more ants to join their party. This can quickly escalate to a large ant infestation.
Prevention Tips
Addressing the issue of a few ants early on can help homeowners save time, money, and effort when it comes to handling larger colonies. It is firstly helpful to better understand what homeowners can do to keep their homes protected.
1. Seal Entry Points
Ants will only make their way inside a home if there are potential entryways. It is essential to ensure that your home is tightly sealed and secured from the outside. Make sure to seal any cracks or gaps in walls, windows, and doors. It is also important to pay close attention to areas where utility lines enter your home as these are common entryways for pests.
2. Keep Things Clean
Ants are attracted to food and drink residue. Keeping your living spaces clean is crucial when it comes to preventing ants. Ensure that after cooking in the kitchen, to thoroughly wipe down counters, stovetops, microwaves, or any other area where food particles may have been distributed. When the weather is warmer, many people enjoy eating meals outdoors. If you are eating from a patio or in your backyard, it is best to hose off any spills or sweep the floor of any food and drink residue.
3. Store Food Properly
By storing food in airtight sealed containers, you can make food detection more difficult for insects like ants. Keep fruits and vegetables off the counter and stored in areas like the fridge, where ants will have a more difficult time to access. It is also imperative to keep any animal food stored away in containers. Animal food that is kept in bags can provide easy access to pests.
To prevent ants, it is crucial to take precautionary measures. By understanding ant behaviors, you can better know how to treat ants that you see around the house and help to keep larger colonies at bay. By implementing these tips, you can help prevent your ant problem from escalating to an ant invasion.
