Any time pests show up in your house, it’s important to know what you’re up against. Some pests are a nuisance and others can cause serious problems. Though some ants are more problematic than others, it’s best to avoid any ant infestation. Check out why you don’t want ants in your home.
Ants Can Bite & Sting
Typically, ants are more annoying than they are dangerous. However, some species can bite and sting. One species you’ll want to avoid is the fire ant. These ants can latch onto skin with their mandibles and inject venom. Their stings can cause painful, itchy bumps. Some people can be allergic to their bites as well. Fire ants attack humans and pets when they feel threatened.
Ants Can Cause Damage to Your Home
When ants decide to settle down in your house, it can be worrisome. Carpenter ants are known to build nests in homes. They create tunnels in damp or rotting wood, which can weaken the wood. Depending on the size of the infestation, carpenter ants can cause structural damage. They often nest in walls, window and door frames, and decks.
Ants Can Contaminate Food
These pesky bugs can also cause problems with your food. If ants are heading inside, there’s a good chance they’re looking for something to eat. Before making their way indoors, these pests walk on dirt and other surfaces. They can also end up on garbage. When they march across counters, tables, and your food, they can transfer bacteria. This can contaminate your food and make it inedible.
Ants Can Cause Problems for Plants
Having ants in your garden isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes they can even be beneficial to your plants. However, there are times when ants can cause problems. Ants are attracted to honeydew that is produced by some garden pests. To protect their supply of honeydew, ants will often protect pests like aphids. These garden pests can hinder the health of your plants.
How to Get Rid of Ants
Though ants are more of a nuisance than a threat, you still don’t want them in your home. Check out a few tips to help get rid of these pests.
- Check for and seal any cracks or gaps where ants can sneak inside.
- Repair or replace damaged screens and weatherstripping.
- Clean up crumbs and spills.
- Make sure you don’t leave behind greasy or sticky residues.
- Regularly take out the trash and keep your trash bin as clean as possible.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Fix leaks and minimize moisture build-up in your home.
- Remove clutter from your house and yard to reduce hiding spots.
- Create a protective barrier by spraying the perimeter of your home and yard with a plant-based insecticide spray. Our Yard Bug Spray and Home Bug Spray kill and repel ants and other pests.
- Use an ant bait to attack the colony. Our No Spill Ant Kill and Ant Killer Bait attract and kill ants. They are designed to allow ants to take the bait back to the nest and share with the colony. As the bait spreads throughout the colony, the source of the infestation will be eliminated.
Dangerous or not, it’s never any fun when ants invade your home. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep these pests away. If you’re dealing with a bug problem, we’re here to help! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.