Ants are small insects that live in colonies. Controlling the effects of ants should aim at destroying the entire colony. Ants are capable of entering small holes, crevices, and openings in the house. Ants cause risks such as the transmission of diseases. Some people are also allergic to ant bites. Ants contaminate food by walking on the surface. Ant control is, therefore, essential to ensure healthy living. You must always understand the various types of ants before taking a control measure. For this ensures you come up with the best solution.
Below are some step by step guide to ensure effective ant control;
Wipe benchtops after use
Tiny food droplets are one of the causes of ant infestation at homes or in offices, as this is a source of food to ants. You can get rid of ants by cleaning bench surfaces after use. Keep the kitchen tidy to discourage ants from invading your house. Clean floors regularly to eliminate residue spills that attract ants. Sticky jars like honey and syrup containers should be wiped clean. The trashcans should always be tightly covered, and the garbage regularly discarded.
Know their hangouts
Knowing the exact locations or places where ants prefer can help you control them efficiently. Ants mostly infest kitchens because of the food substances. Heating units, bathrooms, and living rooms are also prone to ant infestation. Once you identify their preferred location, you can easily control them by spraying with the appropriate pesticide. Ants usually travel in large colonies, and this tends to make their control easy. Knowing the hangouts of ants has been one of the major concerns of the Portland ant control unit before helping their clients.
Proper food storage
Leftovers in the house should be stored appropriately to avoid ants. Food remains to attract ants. These leftovers and remains should be stored in containers and covered with lids. Where possible, they should be stored in the fridge where ants cannot reach. No food should be left in the open, especially overnight, when ants tend to be more active. Families should prepare enough food that does not remain to avoid ant infestation.
Eliminate access points
Always inspect the outside of your home to know the access points of the ants. Pay attention to dirt and untrimmed bushes. Ensure the flowers and bushes are well-trimmed and that all the trash burnt to prevent an ant infestation. Block all the cracks and crevices on the walls of buildings. Sometimes ants follow cracked and busted old pipes into the house. All these should be put under consideration to ensure ants are easily controllable.
Eliminate water sources
Moisture and damp conditions attract ants. Reducing humidity and wet conditions can, therefore, help to reduce or prevent ants. Always repair leaky pipes and check underwater vessels to ensure there is no condition favoring ants. You can use dehumidifiers in damp places such as under the sinks and in bathrooms. Ensure your house or buildings have a proper water collection system that includes a well-functioning gutter. This ensures water flows away from the foundation of the house or structure.
Conclusion
Most ants usually prefer a sunny climate with a humid environment. Sometimes battling ants can be a real nightmare. Therefore, in such circumstances, you may need qualified personnel who have experience in handling ants. There are more than a thousand different species of ants on Earth. However, their handling is almost similar, as explained by Portland ant control in America. Professionals or companies that deal with ant and insect control use different materials to control the insects.