As autumn rolls around, homeowners may feel like they can finally relax after the summer’s pest attacks. But, unfortunately, the ants aren’t quite done with us yet! Ants might not be at the forefront of your mind when imagining fall pests, but they remain a common infestation issue during the cooler months. That’s why it’s crucial to prepare your house with the right preventative measures. In this blog post, we will explore some tips to help homeowners keep ants at bay during the fall months.
1. Seal entryways and cracks around your home
As the temperature drops, ants start to search for warm and cozy spots to make their nests. It’s important to ensure that your home is not one of those places. Inspect your home for any gaps around windows, doors, and foundations, and seal them off with weather-stripping or caulk. This will keep ants, and other pests, from finding their way inside and nesting in your home.
2. Keep your kitchen clean
Ants will go anywhere that they can find a reliable source of food. The kitchen tends to be the place where ant infestations start. To keep ants away, we advise homeowners to keep their kitchen clean and free of food remnants. Wipe down the countertops regularly and be sure to clean up any spills as soon as they occur. Also, remember to properly store food in tightly sealed containers. This will not only help keep ants away, but it’ll ensure that other pest species are repelled as well.
3. Don’t leave pet food out
Pet food is another food source that can attract ants into your home. If you have pets, make sure you keep their food bowls clean and empty when not in use. Leaving pet food out overnight can result in unsightly trails of ants marching towards the food bowl and could lead to an infestation.
4. Cut off outdoor ant access points
Ants love to build their nests in the dirt around the perimeter of your home. To discourage them from building in these areas, consider removing woodpiles, rocks, and debris to discourage ants from making their way inside. Be sure that any trees or bushes won’t touch the side of your home, as they can serve as the perfect bridge for ants to enter.
5. Call in the professionals
If you notice an ant infestation despite your preventative measures, it’s time to call in the professionals. Ants are tough to get rid of without proper training and experience. A licensed pest control professional can help to thoroughly inspect your home and treat the infestation from their source.
By following the tips we’ve outlined in this blog, homeowners can help prevent ant infestations from taking root in their homes this fall. Remember to keep your home clean, have a regular maintenance schedule, and call in the professionals if an infestation does occur. A home free of insects is a comfortable and inviting space!
