When the temperature rises and the availability of natural resources decreases, ants typically leave a trail that leads to homes. Therefore, ant prevention ought to be a top focus. You may get help with this from Thousand Oaks Pest Control, your knowledgeable specialist in pest, mosquito, and termite management as well as grounds maintenance.
When ants appear to be at ease outside, moving over your patio or along pavements, what tempts them inside your house? The basic answer is food.
The Argentine ant, which is the most widespread ant species in California, is characterized by its enormous colony sizes and aggressive foraging behaviors. The state’s most annoying ants include pavement, odd houses, and pharaoh ants.
You must correctly identify the type of ants you are dealing with in order to effectively manage your ant problem because each one may require a different control method. Your Thousand Oaks Pest Control expert could help in reaching a firm conclusion and then suggest the best line of action.
DIY Tips for Ant Prevention & Management
The best way to prevent ants from causing damage to your property is to remove the source of attraction and the entry points they use.
- Keep your home clean: Routinely clearing away food spills, crumbs, and other food sources that can attract ants. Observe the surfaces carefully in the kitchen, at the table, and everywhere else where food is prepared or consumed. Ants are drawn to kitchens, pantries, cabinets, and indoor and outdoor dining areas because they have a sweet tooth.
- Food should be stored properly: By being kept in firmly sealed containers, including pet food. Because ants can easily access open food packages, transferring food to sealed containers will help prevent infestations.
- Seal entry points: Search your home for any cracks, gaps, or other openings that ants might use to enter. Weatherstrip or caulk these entry points to keep people out.
- Eliminate potential nesting sites: Outside, ant nests are typically built in places like firewood stacks, tree stumps, and overgrown vegetation. These potential nesting places need to be removed or relocated far from your home.
- Trim plants: Prune back trees, shrubs, and other overhanging vegetation. Because ants might use these as bridges to enter your home, breaking contact will reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
- Reduce excessive moisture: Keep your home free of any sources of standing water since these may attract certain ant species. Fix any leaks or plumbing issues to prevent water accumulation. Ants are attracted to moist areas, which include crumbs, spills, dripping faucets, and even shower and bathtub enclosures that haven’t been properly caulked.
- Clean outdoor garbage and recycling cans: Make sure your outdoor trash cans are well-sealed and are cleaned periodically to prevent attracting ants.
Contact the dependable, friendly ant control expert in California if you think your home has an ant problem. Until the next time, the pest control professionals at Thousand Oaks Pest Control appreciate your help in keeping unwanted pests from entering your home and yard.