Ants are a pretty fascinating creature when you really think about them. They work as a team and work hard their entire lives. But no matter how endearing their qualities may be, no one wants ants to make their house a home for an ant colony. An ant colony can have hundreds of ants in it and the thought of that many ants crawling through your home is enough to make anyone’s skin crawl. Rentokil is here to share some tips to keep ants out of your home this summer.

Ant Identification Chart

There are literally thousands of different ant species in the world. The number of ant species that infest homes in America is much smaller though. There are several ant species that are more common than others and the best way to get rid of them is to know what species you are dealing with in the first place. When you know what type of ants you have, you know what they eat and what is attracting them. This information can help you keep them out of your home.
• Pavement Ants– These ants are tiny and brown or black. They usually make their way inside your home from an outdoor nest. Pavement ants are attracted primarily to moisture inside your residence.
• Argentine Ants– While these ants are also small and brown or black, they make their nest inside your home. This usually happens in moist places with food like potted plants, sinks, and pipes. Argentine ants are attracted to the sweet honeydew produced by aphids and mealybugs from fruit trees, roses, and other plants.
• Odorous Ants– You know you are dealing with this ant because when you smash them they smell like rotten coconut. Odorous ants are attracted to moisture and standing water.
• Carpenter Ants– These can be very destructive if they are left to their devices for long. They build their nests inside the structure of your home. They are very large and dark brown or black. Carpenter ants are attracted to sugars such as honeydew produced by aphids and scale insects that feed on plants. Once inside your home, carpenter ants will feed on proteins such as pet food.

Home Sealing For Pest Control; Caulk to Keep Ants Out

Sealing all the areas that an ant can get through in your home is a good start to keeping them out. If there are cracks around your doors or windows, seal them up with a fresh strip of caulking.

Remove Food Sources in Kitchen to Deter Ants

Ants are likely looking for food if they have made it into your home. They aren’t picky and will eat any old crumb of food found on your floor. Keep your kitchen neat and tidy, free of any crumbs and old food to avoid ants. Keeping your food in tightly closed storage solutions will keep them from contaminating your food as well.

Prevent Ants in the Bathroom

As ants are attracted to moisture, it helps to dry the water on the sink, tub, and shower after using these fixtures. It is also a good idea to put the toilet seat down after use and close containers such as toothpaste tubes and lotions as well as shampoo and conditioner bottles.

Ant Control

If after trying all these tips mentioned above, you still have a problem with ants in your home, the professional pest control technicians at Rentokil can help. We know how to eliminate any type of ant you may find in your home. Call us today!