Ants have a sweet tooth - don’t tempt them! Clean up crumbs and spills promptly!

Ants are the number one pest in the US and as with most pests we encounter, it’s easier to prevent an infestation that to have to eliminate it. Here are our top six tips to keep ants out!

Keep an eye on their usual hangouts Ants are most often found in kitchens, but they can also turn up in bathrooms, basements, bedrooms, living rooms and attics, pretty much where ever there is water (like around your air conditioning units, or near an outdoor hose.
And speaking of water … Reducing moisture and standing water around your home can go a long way to help prevent ants. Repair leaky pipes, and routinely check under sinks for areas of moisture. Consider using a dehumidifier in damp basements, crawl spaces or attics. Outside, ensure that downspouts and gutters are functioning properly so that water flows away from the home’s foundation.
Eliminate food sources Keeping your kitchen tidy will help to discourage ants from coming indoors. Wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly to eliminate crumbs and residue from spills. Store food in sealed pest-proof containers, and keep ripe fruit in the refrigerator. Wipe down sticky jars, especially any containing honey, syrup, soda or other sweets. Finally, use a lid on trashcans and dispose of garbage regularly.
Don’t forget about pets! Cats, dogs and other pets can inadvertently invite ants into your home. Their food and water bowls are an attractant for pests, so be sure to keep pet bowls clean and clean up any spilled food or water promptly. Opt to store dry pet food in a sealed container rather than the bags they often come in, which can be easily accessed by ants and other pests.
Block off access to your home! Take time to inspect the outside of your home for easy access points. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from the home, as branches can provide highways indoors for ants. Seal any cracks and crevices on the outside of the home with silicone caulk, paying special attention to areas where utility pipes enter.
You don’t have to do it alone! Without the proper training and tools, battling ants can be an uphill battle. What’s worse, an infestation can continue to grow if it is not properly treated. Some species of ants can cause serious property damage (like carpenter ants) and others can pose health threats to your family. Even species that are considered nuisance pests (like odorous house ants) can contaminate food.
So if you do find ants in your home, call Siani right away! We can send out one of our licensed, experienced technicians, determine what kind of ant and see where they are entering so we can work together to eliminate them completely.