Ants are one of the most persistent household pests. Once they find a way in, they're quick to invite the rest of the colony. The good news is that with the right ant prevention measures in place, you can make your home a much less attractive target. Below, you'll find practical tips to help keep ants away, plus advice on when it's time to call in the professionals.
Ants come inside looking for three things: food, water, and shelter. Cut off access to those, and you take away most of their reason to be there. Here are the most effective ant prevention measures you can take at home.
The kitchen is the number one target for foraging ants. Keep food in airtight containers, especially sugar, flour, and grains. Wipe down countertops after cooking, refrigerate perishables, and don't leave dirty dishes sitting in the sink. Pet food bowls are a common overlooked attractant, so pick them up between mealtimes.
Stored product pests can also be drawn in by poorly sealed pantry items, so it's worth checking your cupboards regularly.
Sweep floors regularly, paying close attention to corners and edges where crumbs and other debris tend to collect. Empty trash cans often and make sure they have tight-fitting lids. If ants have already been active in your kitchen, clean the area thoroughly to remove any pheromone trails they may have left behind. Doing this helps stop other ants from following the same route.
Ants can squeeze through the tiniest gaps. Inspect your home for cracks around window frames, door frames, baseboards, and where pipes or utilities enter the wall. Use caulk to seal any openings you find, and install weather stripping on doors and windows where needed. Common entry points include:
We’re experts in exclusion and will help identify any entry points during a free inspection.
Damp areas attract ants just as much as food does. Fix leaky pipes promptly, use a dehumidifier in moisture-prone areas such as basements or crawl spaces, and ensure your home has enough ventilation.
Keeping ants away starts before they even reach your door. Trim shrubs and tree branches that touch the exterior of your home, as these act as natural bridges for ants. Store firewood away from the foundation, clear away leaf litter and debris, and check for standing water in your yard.
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There are a number of natural remedies people use as ant deterrents, and some can offer short-term relief. Here's what's commonly used and what you should know before trying them.
Several natural repellents are said to disrupt ant trails and deter scouts from returning. Popular options include:
Some of these methods, like diatomaceous earth, have a reasonable track record as a home remedy for minor ant activity. Others will have little to no effect. They often won’t make it back to the colony, meaning more ants will just keep coming. That said, always exercise caution when using essential oils around children and pets, as some can be toxic or trigger allergies.
If you're worried about the safety of these methods, consider professional ant control instead. Our technicians will talk you through all treatment options and pick the right one for you.
The most effective way to keep ants away from your home or business is to work with professionals like Western Exterminator to have preventive treatments applied to the exterior and interior of your property. While ants are often active year-round on the West Coast, it is especially important to arrange a treatment prior to the warmer months.
Residential customers have the opportunity to sign up for Western Exterminator's year-round protection plan, PestFree365+. With PestFree365+, you can enjoy full peace of mind knowing that your home will receive regularly scheduled technician visits and treatments.1
Western Exterminator are experts in ant prevention for the home and for businesses. We can find where ants could potentially enter the building and what might attract them there. Our technicians have industry-leading training and expertise in all ant species and know just what to do to keep your property ant-free protected from ants. To learn about more about our ant control and prevention solutions, fill out our contact form online.
Natural ant prevention methods include using essential oils like peppermint or tea tree, vinegar sprays, and diatomaceous earth. If you want to keep ants away long-term, professional pest control services are recommended.
Ants are repelled by strong scents like citrus, peppermint, and cinnamon. Spraying diluted essential oils around entry points may help disrupt their trails.
Vinegar can disrupt ant scent trails temporarily, making it harder for ants to navigate. However, the effects wear off within a few hours, and it does not eliminate the colony.
Ants are primarily attracted to food sources, especially sugary and greasy substances. Crumbs, unsealed food containers, and pet food left out are common attractants.
So, what repels ants? Peppermint is one of the strongest scents that repels ants. Other scents include citrus, tea tree oil, and cinnamon. While these scents can help with ant prevention, they should be used alongside more comprehensive ant prevention measures like sealing cracks and removing food sources.
1Treatments and Covered Pests defined in your Plan. Limitations apply. See Plan for details.
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