Ants generally start to become a problem indoors during late spring and early summer.  Ant infestations should be taken care of at the first sighting, as the first few in are generally there to determine if it would be a good home for the entire colony.  These are referred to as scout ants, as they are “scouting” out a new home. The following suggestions can help you to reduce and possibly eliminate ant infestations in your home:
1.       Destroy Resources – The scout ant will only decide your home is an appropriate place to live if there are resources available.  This means that he must find access to both food and water.  Keep food prep surfaces clean, seal your food, and clean up crumbs or spills immediately after eating.  This will create a difficult living environment for the ants, and they will more than likely look for a different place to live.
2.       Keep Clean – The scout ants who investigate your home leave behind a scent trail.  This trail enables the scout ant to both find his way back to his colony, and to find his way back into your home, along with all of his friends.  By cleaning the areas where you have seen the scout ant, you will destroy his ability to return to the other ants.  One of the best methods for doing this is to use a spray bottle filled with vinegar, and spray both the ant and the areas you saw him walking on.
3.       Cover – Block the ants’ entry point into your home.  Consider applying a “wall” of baby powder at their entry location.  The powder will prevent most unwanted visitors from gaining access to your home, and will destroy the scent of any ants that might make it in.
4.       Trap – Ant traps can be very successful at controlling populations.  These traps are designed to kill the scout ants before they return to their colony and tell their friends about your wonderful home.  Use precautions when setting the traps, as they do contain chemicals and poisons that can be dangerous to children and/or pets.
5.       Repel – Consider using natural resources to repel ants from your home.  By nature, ants do not like the scents of cloves, bay leaves, mint, or citrus.  Consider wiping surfaces and dusting with citrus oil or peppermint oil, cleaning your bathroom and kitchen with vinegar (it has the same acids as citrus), and even planting mint plants around the exterior of your home along the foundation.

Many infestations cannot be treated or prevented without the assistance of a professional.  If you are encountering an influx of ants or any insect in your home, and need help, A3 Superior Pest Control is here for you.  Give us a call at 1-877-757-7767