Summer brings scorching heat, longer daylight hours, and more time spent outside. It also brings on one of the biggest nuisances of the season – ants! Ants can be incredibly difficult to get rid of so prevention is the key. There are several species of ants that range from harmless to potentially deadly. Fire ants can sting if they feel threatened. Carpenter ants can destroy any wood structures you have on your property. Odorous ants can contaminate your food in your home. What can you do to keep these ultimate summer pests out of your house? Check out these tips for summer ant prevention.
- Keep your food sealed in airtight containers, even pet food.
- Keep your pet’s food and water dishes clean and don’t leave them out overnight.
- Wipe up any crumbs or spills immediately.
- Thoroughly clean your counter tops, cupboards, cabinets and other kitchen surfaces regularly.
- Make sure to also clean under your sink, stove, and refrigerator.
- Sweep your kitchen and bathroom floors daily.
- Vacuum regularly to pick up any missed food crumbs.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
- Dispose of your trash promptly.
- Inspect the outside of your home for cracks and holes and seal them with silicone caulk.
- Caulk around your windows and doors and repair any holes or gaps in them.
- Replace weatherstripping around windows and doors and repair loose mortar around your foundations.
- Keep tree branches and other shrubbery trimmed back from the sides of your house as ants can use these to access your home.
- If you have an ant problem, contact a professional pest control company who can identify the type of ants you have and recommend the appropriate treatment for them.
