Ants may seem harmless due to their size, but they can be a nuisance. These pests travel in large numbers and get into your food. Also, they can damage structures in your home. Sadly, eliminating them can be hard once they discover a reliable food source. But you can keep ants out and protect your home with professional pest control and some tricks. Keeping ants out of your Illinois home takes a little effort, but it is well worth it. Here is what you can do to protect your home from ants:
Cut Off Their Food Supply
Ants never stop hunting for food. They leave a scent trail that invites more ants to follow when they find a food source. This source can be tiny crumbs or spills. The best way to stop this is by removing their food source.
Here’s what you can do:
- Wipe down kitchen counters and tables every day.
- Sweep and mop floors to remove crumbs and sticky spots.
- Store food in airtight containers, especially sugar, cereal, and snacks.
- Rinse out jars and bottles before tossing them in the trash or recycling.
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
Eliminate Moisture and Water Sources
Ants need water to survive. Thus, areas with leaks, standing water, or humidity are high-risk zones. If your home has damp spots, ants will likely find them. So, focus on fixing any dripping faucets, leaking pipes, or clogged drains. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements and laundry rooms to reduce humidity. Check under sinks and appliances for hidden moisture and empty pet water bowls at night. Also, keep gutters clear and direct water away from the foundation
Block Their Entry Points
Ants often crawl through gaps in windows, doors, and walls without being noticed. If you see a line of ants in your home, figure out where they come from and seal it up. Check for cracks in the walls or foundation and gaps around doors and windows. Also, look for openings around utility lines and vents and damaged screens or missing weather stripping. Use caulk to seal small cracks and install weather stripping to close gaps around windows and doors. Ants will search elsewhere if they cannot enter.
Use Natural Deterrents
There are several natural solutions that can help keep ants away without using harsh chemicals. These methods are great for families with pets or small children. Try using the following:
- Vinegar and water spray. Ants hate the strong smell of vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray it on surfaces where ants travel.
- Lemon juice. The citrus smell disrupts the ants’ scent trails. Squeeze lemon juice on windowsills and entry points.
- Cinnamon or peppermint. Sprinkle ground cinnamon or use peppermint oil in areas where ants are active. Both are strong natural repellents.
- Chalk. Drawing a line with chalk near entry points can interfere with the ants’ trail.
Call the Professionals When Needed
If you have tried home remedies and still see trails of ants or notice them appearing in multiple rooms, it might be time to bring in expert help. Reliable Pest Solutions offers professional ant control services across Illinois. Their trained technicians can locate the source of the infestation and treat it safely. Also, they prevent ants from returning. They use proven methods that target the colony.
Reliable Pest Solutions provides personalized treatment plans based on the layout of your home, the type of ants, and the level of infestation. They also offer routine pest prevention services, so you can enjoy a pest-free home all year long. The company has the tools and experience to handle pest issues effectively, regardless of the type of pests you are dealing with.
