Pest control is often about prevention as much as it is about extermination. Some infestations affect homeowners more often, such as ant infestations, as they're attracted to the foods we eat. By learning to combat infestations and taking preventative measures, you can cut down on your pest issues and save money. National Geographic estimates that there are 20 quadrillion ants on the planet. That's a lot of ants and you want to make sure they all stay away from your home. Here are some tips from local pest control companies regarding pest prevention.
Food Sources
Like most creatures, ants need to eat. They spend their days hunting for food sources. If anything in your home proves to be an easy food source, ants will be attracted. You need to be on the lookout for where ants are congregating. Do they seem attracted to countertops, floors, or pantries? They have likely found an easy access to food. Even crumbs or spills that are not immediately cleaned up can be an attractive food source for ants. Remember, they don't need a large food source, they just need an easy one. Be sure to clean up spills and crumbs quickly.
Trash
What seems like trash to you looks like a food source to the ants. If you leave trash around for a few days, you might notice ants getting inside. You can solve this issue by taking out the trash often. You might also want to think about using a trash can that is more tightly secured. Open-topped trash cans can easily attract pests.
Water
In addition to needing food, ants need water. They will often come indoors just because there is water available. However, sometimes ants may come indoors to avoid water too. For instance, if it's been extremely wet outside for several days or raining heavily, ants may retreat indoors to avoid drowning. You may need to use products that create a discouraging barrier for ants to keep them out.
These are the factors that will create an infestation in your home. However, you can contact professional pest control services in your area to get rid of a current infestation. Please contact us for all of your pest control needs.