No one wants to deal with ants in the summertime. Unfortunately, they tend to overwhelm homes in Virginia this time of year. If you’ve had an ant infestation before, you know they can be downright frustrating. They tend to infest kitchens, bathrooms, and often can be seen crawling in trails along your floorboards. As the number one nuisance pest in the nation, it’s important to learn how to prevent ants this summer and all year long. The team at Ehrlich Pest Control, formerly Connor’s has years of experience getting rid of these pests and is here to share expert tips to prevent ants this summer.
Prevent Ants with These 5 Tips
No one wants ants inside their home. Ants can be ruthless and the infestations never-ending, making it important to know how to keep them out in the first place! To prevent ants, try the following tips:
- Keep a clean home. Sweep your floors regularly to get rid of crumbs. Ants are attracted to sugary food sources and a few crumbs will keep them coming back for more.
- Store away food. Avoid leaving food out uncovered. Keep food in airtight containers or store them safely in cupboards and fridges.
- Seal entry points. Ants can crawl through the tiniest of cracks. Inspect your property and use caulk to seal any gaps, holes, or potential entry ways.
- Get rid of excess moisture. Areas with standing water or leaks will attract ants quickly. Attend to broken pipes and clean up spills quickly.
- Trim back trees and vegetation. Plants close to your home can encourage ants to come in. Make sure tree branches, shrubs, and bushes are trimmed away from the perimeter!
What Types of Ants Are Common in the Summer?
There are more than 700 species living in the U.S., which is why it’s crucial to know which one you’re dealing with in order to properly get rid of them! An infestation from any of these can be a major pain to deal with, making it important to know what you’re coming up against. A few of the most common types of ants you’ll likely encounter in our area are odorous house ants, carpenter ants, fire ants, and pavement ants. For help identifying these pests, it’s best to get the help of a professional.
What to Do When You Can’t Prevent Ants
If the ants are flooding into your property despite your best efforts to keep them out, it’s best to contact a professional ant exterminator. At Ehrlich, we have the experience and resources needed to prevent ants not just in the summer, but all year long. To learn more, call our experts today!