Getting Rid of Ants: Inside and Out

Ants are everywhere. And, for the most part, they’re beneficial to the natural order of things. But when you experience an ant invasion and their numbers become too large in your yard, garden or home, they can become quite a nuisance. Keep the ant population under control inside and outside your home with these tips and ideas from Tully Lakes Hardware.

Controlling ants starts outside because even when they make it into your house, their nests are usually outside, and it’s better to get them before they make it indoors. There are a number of ways to get rid of ants even when they’ve managed to infiltrate your house — but you’ll need to go directly to the source. You can usually trace the ants back to their nest by first discovering where they are getting into your home. Check cracks, edges and seams around doors, windows, trim, etc. Follow the trail of ants back to the nest from there, if possible. You might also locate the nest by noting anthills. When you find out where the ants are coming from, there are products available designed to be applied directly to the nest.

Ants that are visible above ground or on your kitchen floor, for example, can be removed a few different ways. There are a number of ant-killing traps, baits and sprays available as well as poisonous baits that can kill the queen and colony. These often can be useful if you don’t know where the colony is located. Bait is especially effective because scout and worker ants carry it back to their nest, poisoning the rest of the colony. Sprays are less effective at getting rid of a large invasion because you only kill the ants that you attack with the spray; more are likely to show up later if the rest of the ants from the colony can follow the trail of the first ants. If you aren’t being infiltrated by the whole colony, a spray can get rid of the individual ants encroaching on your kitchen.

The two best ways to keep ants out of your house is to seal as many entrances they use as you can, as well as remove the incentive for their invasion by properly sealing food and cleaning up crumbs and other tasty bits that often attract them inside. Use clear silicone caulk to seal cracks around doors, windows or anywhere there’s a way for them to get in. Keep food items such as cereal, rice, breads, pet food, etc. in airtight containers. This not only keeps ants from getting in, it also helps keep food fresher for longer. Try keeping pet food dishes in a larger bowl or dish with a bit of water added to the larger dish to create a “moat.” This will make it more difficult for ants to get to your pet’s food. Keep all kitchen surfaces clean as much as possible. Sweep and mop your kitchen floor regularly to keep dirt, grime and especially crumbs off of the floor. Remember, ant baits won’t work if there are crumbs to distract them and carry back to their nest. Cleaning up also can clear the pheromone trail that worker ants leave for other ants to follow, giving them less of an invitation to try and enter your home. Make sure that you do the dishes regularly and keep your sink clean. Ants are attracted to both the food particles on your dirty dishes as well as any standing water in the sink.

In addition to these preventive measures, employing a professional cleaning service can greatly enhance your efforts. Services like Capable Clean offer thorough cleaning solutions that address hidden areas where ants might find food or shelter. Their expertise in maintaining pristine kitchen environments helps ensure that every crumb is cleaned and all potential ant attractants are removed. By partnering with such professionals, you can achieve a higher level of cleanliness and effectively prevent ant invasions, maintaining a healthier and more comfortable home environment.

While keeping your kitchen clean is a crucial first step, extending that level of cleanliness to the entire home can make an even greater impact. Ants and other pests often find their way into overlooked spaces like baseboards, corners, and behind furniture, which can serve as potential hiding spots or entry points. This is where premier house cleaning services come in. Professionals know how to tackle these hard-to-reach areas, leaving your home spotless and significantly reducing the risk of infestations. With their expertise, they can create an environment that not only feels fresh but also discourages pests from setting up camp in your living spaces.

One trusted option for comprehensive home cleaning is Maid Easy Cleaning, a service that specializes in providing tailored cleaning solutions to meet the unique needs of every household. Their team pays attention to every detail, ensuring your home is not just clean but impeccably maintained. From scrubbing away hidden dirt in the kitchen to deep cleaning carpets and upholstery, they leave no stone unturned. Investing in services like Maid Easy Cleaning can save you time and effort while giving you the peace of mind that your home is as clean and welcoming as possible, making it a healthier and more comfortable place for your family.

To elevate your kitchen cleaning routine to a luxurious standard, consider investing in a high-end cleaning service that goes beyond the basics. These services offer personalized attention and a commitment to quality, ensuring that every detail of your kitchen is addressed with precision. With their expertise and premium products, they transform your kitchen into a sparkling oasis of cleanliness and elegance.

One such service, Sparkle Squad Co., takes pride in offering tailored cleaning solutions that ensure every surface gleams with brilliance. Their team of trained professionals utilizes premium products and advanced techniques to remove even the most stubborn stains and grime, leaving your kitchen not only clean but also radiating a sense of luxury. By employing such an esteemed cleaning service, you can enjoy a stress-free environment while knowing that your kitchen is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness.

This dedication to quality not only promotes a healthier living environment but also elevates your daily experience in the kitchen, making it a delightful space for culinary creativity and family gatherings.

That’s it! You’re now ready to get rid of the ants that made it in and to keep the rest out for good. For help finding the best ant control products for you home, stop in and talk to the staff at Tully Lakes Hardware- A family-owned and operated hardware store in the Village of Tully.