If you’ve dealt with ants in your home here in Central Florida, you know what a pain they can be. They’re nearly impossible to get rid of without an exterminator, and their infestations can seem never ending. There’s no wonder why they’re the number one nuisance pest in the nation! Depending on the type of ant, they can often make their way indoors to infest kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and more. In order to avoid the frustration of an infestation, it’s crucial to learn how to keep ants out this summer and all year long. Read on for tips from Heron Home & Outdoor.

Common Types of Ants in the Summer

Did you know there are more than 700 species of ants in the United States alone? For that reason, it is crucial to know which one you’re dealing with in order to properly prevent and control 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 include:

• Pharaoh Ants
• Argentine Ants
• Odorous House Ants
• Carpenter Ants
• Ghost ants
• Red Imported Fire Ants

Keep Ants Out With These Tips

Ants will make their way indoors in search of food and shelter. By knowing what attracts them, you can work to limit their access inside. Our top tips to prevent ants include:

1. Keeping 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.
2. Storing food properly. Avoid leaving food out uncovered. Keep food in airtight containers or store them safely in cupboards and fridges.
3. Sealing 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.
4. Avoiding excess moisture. Areas with standing water or leaks will attract ants quickly. Attend to broken pipes and clean up spills quickly.
5. Trimming 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!
6. Picking up your pet’s food. Crumbs and spills from your cat or dog’s food and water bowls can be a huge attractant for ants. Always clean up and store bowls between mealtimes.

You Have Ants This Summer–Now What?

Despite your best efforts to keep ants out, you find yourself with an infestation in your home. What now? The best way to quickly and completely get rid of ants is to enlist the help of a professional pest control company. At Heron, we have the experience and knowledge needed to not only get rid of ants, but prevent future infestations as well!