Unless your pet is an anteater or hedgehog, it’s not a good thing to have ants in or around your pet’s food. Unfortunately, the pet dish is often one of the first places they are drawn to in your home.
Ant control is all about outsmarting these morsel-hunting insects. Keep your pet’s food area from becoming an ant magnet with the following pest control tips.
If you have noticed an ant problem around your home or business, there's a Western Exterminator office nearby, and our pet-friendly ant control professionals are there to help. With technicians across the West Coast, including Oregon and California, we’re never far away. Contact your local office today.
Ants are drawn to pet food because it is a reliable food source that contains proteins, fats, moisture, and carbohydrates. Dry kibble, wet food, and even food crumbs left in and around the feeding area attract ants searching for nourishment. Once they discover a food supply, they leave pheromone trails, leading more ants to the source. If left unchecked, an infestation can quickly develop, making it difficult to keep ants away from dog food and cat food.
Preventing ants from reaching your pet’s food requires a combination of proper storage, cleanliness, and barriers that deter their access. Implementing these strategies will help you stop ants from eating cat food and dog food while keeping their feeding area free from infestations.
Invest in pet food bowls designed to keep ants away. These bowls often feature built-in moats that prevent ants from reaching the food. If you don’t have an ant-proof bowl, it might be time for some DIY ant control. Simply place your pet’s food dish inside a shallow pan of water.
Whether it’s wet food or dry food, crumbs and spills left behind after feeding provide an easy meal for ants. To prevent infestations:
Once ants are inside, it can be difficult to know how to get them out of your pet’s food. Proper storage techniques can help eliminate the risk of ants getting inside in the first place.
Store pet food in airtight plastic or metal containers with a secure lid. This prevents ants from detecting food scents and gaining access to the kibble. Avoid using the original packaging as ants can easily chew through paper or thin plastic bags.
Leaving pet food bags open invites ants to crawl inside. Always seal the bag tightly or transfer the food to a container with a lid. If you notice ants in food bags, discard any contaminated food and clean the storage area before refilling. But, why are ants attracted to sugar?
Keep pet food in a cool, dry location to minimize the risk of ants and other pests. Avoid placing it near entry points, such as doors or windows, where ants may be more likely to invade. Regularly check storage areas for signs of ants and take action if needed.
When searching for ways to keep ants out of cat food and dog food, natural remedies can be tempting. You can find them at home, and they’re readily available in stores. But these natural methods might not always be effective. And if they’re not implemented properly, they could even make things worse.
Although the substances mentioned below are generally considered pet-safe, it is important to check with your veterinarian to ensure these methods are safe for your pet. And with the risk of venomous fire ants stinging your pets, it’s best not to take risks. (Check out our dedicated guide if you’re struggling with fire ants in your home.)
Cinnamon is sometimes used as a natural ant deterrent and is generally safe for pets. However, results may vary, and ants may adapt or find alternative paths. Sprinkle a small amount around your pet’s feeding area or food storage, but monitor its effectiveness over time.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth can work as a barrier against ants, but it must be applied correctly and consistently to be effective. Some ants may still find ways around it. Lightly dust the area around your pet’s food bowl and storage and reapply as needed.
Certain essential oils, such as peppermint oil and citrus oil, are believed to be effective ant repellents. However, their effectiveness is not guaranteed, and some pets may be sensitive to these oils. Mix a few drops of the oil with water in a spray bottle and spray the feeding area cautiously.
A solution of vinegar and water can help erase ant trails and deter them from returning. However, vinegar alone may not be enough to stop determined ants. Wipe down the pet feeding area regularly with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. For best results, consider combining it with other ant control methods.
If you have done all of these things and are still finding ants crawling around your pet’s food, contact Western Exterminator to get rid of ants. Our ant control experts will discuss your problem with ants and offer solutions to get rid of an ant infestation and offer prevention tips and methods to keep ants away.
Contact your local Western Exterminator office today for a property inspection to get your ant control service started. For year-round coverage and complete peace of mind, check out our pest protection plan PestFree365.
Keeping your pet’s food area clean and storing food in airtight containers are key steps. Consider using ant-proof pet bowls and regularly washing feeding areas.
You can ant-proof a pet bowl by using one with built-in moats or placing it inside a shallow pan of water.
To prevent ants in outdoor feeders, use petroleum jelly around the base or place the feeder on a platform with water barriers.
Ants are attracted to pet food because it provides an easy source of nutrients. Keeping feeding areas clean and storing food properly can help address these issues.
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