Ants are one of the most common pests we get calls about, and with spring in full swing, they’re only going to become even more of a problem for Long Island homeowners. Having ants in your home can be frustrating enough…actually getting rid of them can be an entirely different story.
With a bit of ant knowledge, though, you can better prevent ant invasions in your home and be on your way to getting rid of them once and for all.
Where Do Ants Come From?
Like humans, ants have a few basic needs: food, water, and shelter. Typically when ants get inside your home, it’s because one or more of these essentials has been made available to them. So little black ants, for example, seek out food sources which they then carry back and forth in between the food source and wherever their colony is nesting.
Ants need just a small amount of space to make their way inside your home, so given the opportunity, they will gladly come on inside via any crack or crevice they can find (and they’ll even tell their friends)! Ants are opportunistic when it comes to their food; while they are often drawn to sweets, they’ll chow down on greasy foods and even trash, too.
From a hydration standpoint, ants do need water to survive, but not a lot, as they can stay hydrated through the foods they consume. It is likely you’ll find ants in your home near sources of water, though, such as your bathroom or kitchen sinks, or near water leaks or faucets.
How to Prevent Ants in Your Home
To most effectively prevent ants in your home, you’ll need to prioritize cleanliness and pest proofing.
By cleanliness, we mean cleaning up spills and sticky surfaces as they occur, regularly vacuuming up crumbs, storing food in airtight containers, and taking out the garbage regularly. Your kitchen is the primary area of your home ants are most likely to invade due to the availability of food and water. Be sure to check your countertops, floors, pantry, and kitchen cabinets to make sure they’re crumb-free and wiped down.
As for pest proofing, you’ll need to consider how easy it is for ants to get inside your home. If you’re leaving windows and doors open, have cracks or crevices working their way into your home’s structure that aren’t getting repaired, or have tree limbs touching your roof, these are all ways ants can get inside more easily. Because ants like moisture, it’s also important to check pipes and under your sinks for leaks and repair accordingly, as these are also common locations for ants to gravitate toward.
Dealing With An Ant Problem? We’ll Knock ‘Em Out!
With all the excitement spring brings, dealing with an ant infestation can add unwanted stress to an otherwise great time! If you need help getting rid of ants in your Long Island home, our team of trained experts is available to help you knock ‘em out.
To schedule an inspection now, call (800) 244-7378.
