When ants emerge in spring, they’re hungry and on a mission. Foraging ants look for food sources to help grow their colony. Being prepared for their arrival can help you avoid an infestation. Check out a few tips to help you prevent a spring ant invasion.
Remove Food Sources
These hungry bugs enter homes looking for something to eat. Once they find a food source, they release pheromones that alert other ants to their location. Removing potential food sources can help to prevent these pests.
- Clean counters and floors to remove crumbs and spills.
- Store your food in sealed, air-tight containers.
- If you eat on your couch, you’ll want to vacuum it.
- Wipe down jars that could have a sticky residue like honey.
- Rinse jars and containers before throwing them in the trash or recycling bin.
- Regularly take out the trash.
Minimize Moisture
Bugs are attracted to sources of water. Minimizing the moisture in your home and yard can help keep ants away.
- Check under your sink for water problems.
- Check for and repair any leaky pipes, faucets, or garden hoses.
- Remove standing water in your yard.
- Ensure your gutters are clear and downspouts are working properly.
- Use a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home including basements, attics, and crawlspaces.
Seal Entry Points
If ants have trouble finding a way into your home, they’ll move on to the next house. These pests are tiny and can squeeze through small holes.
- Check the interior and exterior of your house for cracks or holes. Seal any you find.
- Repair or replace damaged door and window screens.
- Make sure there aren’t gaps under the doors leading outside. Don’t forget to check your garage doors.
Clean Your Yard
Before ants invade your home, they first infest your yard. Keep your yard clean to help avoid an ant invasion.
- Regularly mow your lawn.
- Trim vegetation so it’s not touching the side of your house. Don’t let mulch touch the exterior of your house or foundation.
- Remove yard debris including leaves, grass clippings, logs, and branches.
- Store firewood several feet from your house.
Use an Ant Bait
Ant baiting is an effective way to control an ant problem. Baits attract ants so they will feed on the bait and take it back to the colony. This leads to the elimination of the colony and the source of the infestation. Our No Spill Ant Kill and Ant Killer Bait are sugar-based baits. They can help control an active infestation and help prevent one. You can also use our Roach Killer Gel Bait if ants are seeking protein instead of sugar.
Create a Protective Barrier
Spraying the perimeter of your yard with a plant-based insecticide spray can also help keep ants away. Our Yard Bug Spray kills ants and other pests on contact. Its residual properties act as a barrier helping to deter ant activity. If you’re using ant baits, you don’t want to spray near the bait placements. This will deter ants from eating the bait.
Taking the time to pest-proof your home and yard can stop ants in their tracks. If ants and other pests are bugging you, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.