6 Ways to Prevent Pantry Pests

Identifying and preventing Indianmeal moths and confused flour beetles in Henderson and Las Vegas NV - Western Exterminator of Las Vegas
Indianmeal moth (top) & confused flour beetle (bottom)

Far too many people have experienced the horror of digging through their pantries only to discover a pantry pest infestation! With the new year upon us, now is the time to inspect your kitchen shelves for signs of pantry pests. These stored product pests infest flour, cake mixes, grains, sugar, and more, and it’s easy for them to do so when you don’t store your dry goods properly. To learn how to prevent pantry pest infestations, keep reading for expert tips from Rentokil!

Pantry Pests 101

Beetles, ants, earwigs, and silverfish are just some of the many pests known as pantry pests. The most common types of pantry pests are the Indian meal moth and the confused flour beetle. These items they will infest include flour, sugar, cake mixes, open cereal boxes, powdered milk, and more! Some of the many insects will look for food sources around which they can build nests and mate. All four stages of development of the insect may be noticed, from their egg to the adult stage.

How to Prevent Pantry Pests

To avoid dealing with the gross sight of pantry pests, it’s important to know how to prevent them from infesting your home in the first place. Six ways you can keep pantry pests out include:

  1. Securely store dry goods. To keep pests out, always store food and baking ingredients in airtight containers.
  2. Properly store seasonal items. Dried foliage, Indian corn, and other seasonal items should be kept in sealed containers while not in use throughout the year.
  3. Place bay leaves in containers. Sticking a bay leaf inside canisters of dry goods like flour, rice, and other grains. May help to repel pests.
  4. Inspect your groceries. At the grocery store and before bringing them indoors, check your purchased goods for any signs of damage or use.
  5. Check the date. Before you use your ingredients from a year or two ago, make sure to check the expiration date and toss any expired items.
  6. Keep a clean kitchen. Always wipe up spills or messes to avoid attracting pests, and clean out your pantry regularly.

Pantry Pest Control & Removal

If you’ve done all you can to prevent pantry pests and still end up with an infestation, it’s important to act fast. Toss any infested items in a secure trash can outdoors, and thoroughly clean out your shelves. If you’re still dealing with pests, it’s recommended to call an expert pantry pest exterminator such as Rentokil Las Vegas.

Pests that Hitch a Ride on Your Christmas Tree

If you’re worried about bugs hitching a ride on your Christmas tree this year, you’re not alone! According to Associate Professor Bjarte Jordal at the University Museum of Bergen, your Christmas tree could be home to over 25,000 tiny insects!

The key word here is: tiny. Although the idea of carrying creepy insects inside isn’t exactly a welcome thought, the research conducted by Jordal is also not as serious as it sounds. Read on to find out more about pests that hitch a ride on your Christmas tree!

Common Pests in Christmas Trees

Christmas trees (typically spruce, fir, or pine) are natural homes for many different species of insects, especially pests that feed off of softwood trees. Evergreen trees are also home to a lot of nesting insects during the winter. Here is a brief list of pests commonly found on Christmas trees:

  • Wood or bark beetles
  • Praying mantises
  • Spiders
  • Weevils
  • Aphids
  • Mites
  • Moths

A lot of these pests are microscopic, and will be invisible at first glance. If you find a lumpy, almost oblong brown sac, you’ve found a praying mantis sac. Be sure to remove the nest–praying mantis sacs have been known to hatch once warmed up inside! Praying mantises feed on insects that harm gardens and shrubs, so we recommend carefully placing the nest outside in another tree or bush.

Are Christmas Tree Bugs Dangerous?

None of these insects poses much of a threat to humans. Poisonous spiders don’t typically live in trees, and most of the other possible insects cannot (or will not) bite humans. One of the only possible dangers is mites: if the tree has an extreme population of mites, or someone has a very sensitive mite allergy, there might be an allergic reaction.

Don’t be alarmed by any wood-boring or bark beetles you find on your Christmas tree; beetles that eat softwood generally don’t go for furniture!

Preventing Bugs From Living in Your Christmas Tree

These pests might not be dangerous, but most people still don’t want them indoors! A really easy way to make sure the bugs don’t hitch a ride inside is to have your tree shaken before you take it home. Most pick-your-own Christmas tree lots have a shaker on the lot, and will shake your tree before netting it for transport.

If the lot doesn’t have a shaker, not to worry–simply put your tree on a white sheet, shake your tree vigorously, and vacuum up any bugs that fall out! It’s that easy.

Professional Pest Services Year-Round

While a lot of pests look to come inside for the winter, the pests that typically live on Christmas trees will actually die inside. The dry and warm conditions of your home aren’t ideal for a lot of species. If you shake your tree and something–unusual–comes out of it, or if you’re concerned that you’ve picked up an infestation, give us a call! At Rentokil, we are committed to protecting our community, and we’d love to help you and your family stay pest-free year-round!

It’s Bark Scorpion Season – 5 Tips to Prevent Being Stung

Bark scorpions, also known as Arizona bark scorpions, are typically 3 inches in length or less, with a light brown body. They can be found in the southwest of the United States, including Las Vegas, and into northern Mexico. The venom of the bark scorpion is the most potent scorpion venom in North America. As the weather gets cooler, scorpions start to gather near homes on block walls, rocks, and near retaining walls.

Bark Scorpions and Dangerous Stings

A sting from the bark scorpion can cause symptoms for up to three days, including:

  • Severe pain
  • Numbness in the affected limb
  • Convulsions

Deaths have been known to occur after a sting, though usually only in the elderly, very young, or those with scorpion venom allergies. After a scorpion sting, medical attention must be sought immediately.

Bark Scorpion Behavior and Your Home

Bark scorpions don’t have nests or burrows, and prefer to roam, looking for food and shelter. They are nomadic, and will travel from home to home, looking for potential resources and invading any available space.

Most scorpions do not socialize or congregate, preferring to remain solitary. Bark scorpions are the exception: they will congregate in groups of 20-30 scorpions during the winter. Most scorpions that enter a home during the fall are doing so to escape the cold weather, and it’s vital to prevent them from moving inside.

5 Tips to Prevent Bark Scorpion Stings

Your home should be protected as thoroughly as possible against scorpions. Here are some basic prevention tips to “scorpion-proof” your house, and to prevent the stings themselves:

  1. Check your clothing, and shake your shoes before putting them on.
  2. Always check bedsheets and blankets before using them.
  3. Homes should be kept clean.
    • Clutter or other items that can serve as hiding places for scorpions should be eliminated.
    • Never reach into a box, bag, or other container without checking for scorpions first.
    • Thorough cleaning should also be completed to prevent other insects that bark scorpions like to eat, like ants and cockroaches.
  4. Your backyard should remain tidy as well.
    • Don’t allow standing water to accumulate.
    • Fill all holes and burrows (Carefully!)
    • Clean up any pet food
    • Remove any brush or piles of vegetation
    • Never go outside barefoot.
  5. Cracks in walls and foundations should be sealed, ensuring that small scorpions cannot enter.

Professional Help for Bark Scorpions in Las Vegas

If you have experienced multiple bark scorpion sightings, or you find them frequently in your backyard, you need to get professional help as soon as possible. Bark scorpions are a major and dangerous problem, and they should never be allowed to remain anywhere near your property. If you’re not sure what species of scorpion you’re seeing, give Western Exterminator a call! We can inspect your property, identify the species of scorpion, seal your home against future problems, and treat any possible scorpion infestation.

Defend Your Home Against Ants this Fall

Ants are known for being resourceful and persistent insects–they will eat almost anything, live almost anywhere, and need little to survive. In many locations, winter can keep ant populations at bay, but sometimes cold weather just drives them further inside! As the fall weather begins to cool down, prepare yourself against ants with these tips from Western Exterminator!

How to Prevent Ants

Ants are the number one nuisance pest in the United States. With more than 700 species occurring in the country, and more than 20 types known to infest homes and other structures, it’s not surprising that so many people report having issues with this pest. Argentine ants, also referred to as sugar ants by homeowners, are one of the most common ants in the Las Vegas valley. However, there are some simple elimination steps that homeowners can take to reduce the chances of unintentionally inviting ants into their home. You should aim to control or eliminate these problems before ants invade:

  • Sources of Water: Reducing moisture and standing water around the home can go a long way to help prevent ants.
    Repair leaky pipes, and routinely check under sinks for areas of moisture.
    Pet water bowls are an attractant for pests, so be sure to keep pet bowls clean and clean up any spilled food or water promptly.
  • Sources of Food: Keeping a tidy kitchen will help to discourage ants from coming indoors.
    Wipe down counters and sweep floors regularly to eliminate crumbs and residue from spills.
    Store food in sealed pest-proof containers, and keep ripe fruit in the refrigerator.
    Wipe down sticky jars, especially any containing honey, syrup, sodas, or other sweets.
    Use a lid on trash-cans, and dispose of garbage regularly.
    Be sure to keep pet bowls clean, and clean up any spilled food promptly.
    Store dry pet food in a sealed plastic container.
  • Sources of Entry: It’s probably not surprising to hear that ants most frequently infest kitchens. Here are a few other popular ant attractions around the home:
    Bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, basements, inside walls, and in/around air conditioning and heating units are also known to attract ants, so make sure all entry points are sealed.
    Inspect dog/cat doors to ensure that pests cannot get through. Remember that ants can fit through even the tiniest openings.

Remember, ants want three things: water, food, and shelter. Eliminate these three resources, and you significantly reduce a potential ant problem.

Preventing Ants from the Exterior

Sometimes the exterior can be even more important than the interior! Taking steps to protect your home from the outside is one of the best ways to prevent ants from coming in during the fall.

  • Look outside of your home for easy access points.
  • Trim trees and bushes away from the home, as branches can provide highways indoors for ants.
  • Seal any cracks and crevices on the outside of the home with silicone caulk, paying special attention to areas where utility pipes enter.

Professional Help to Prevent Ants

Battling ants doesn’t have to be an uphill battle, but it is important to ask for professional help if you see signs of an infestation. Some species of ants, like carpenter ants, can cause serious property damage. Other species, like fire ants, can pose health threats to your family. Even species that are considered nuisance pests, like argentine ants, can contaminate food.

If you need help sealing your home and preventing ants this fall, give Western Exterminator a call today! We’ll inspect your property, identifying problem areas and access points, and we’ll help you treat or prevent a serious ant problem.

Keeping Stink Bugs Out Of Your Home This Fall

What are these stinky pests?

Stink bugs are insects known as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) that found their way to North America during the late 1990s. It is said that they came to the eastern United States from Taiwan, China, Korea or Japan. With the help of the Agriculture Department’s Crop Research team, new management solutions are being developed to protect our homes and food supply.

Their brown shield-like shape and the smelly odor they emit when crushed helps to identify the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs. It seems that these bugs are now becoming an annoyance in homes throughout the east coast and spreading further to the western states of the U.S. These brown stinky pests are no longer just an issue for the farmer. They do not harm humans or cause interior damage to structures, but they have become a menace in homes, and businesses requiring Stink Bug Control.

Stink bugs can easily create havoc in and around the home

These pests are trouble. The BMSB easily destroy the ornamental plants around a home. They are very fond of vegetables, fruit, nut plants, shrubs, and other plants found in backyard gardens. The stink bug’s mouth has tiny needle-like projections that aids in their recovery of nutrients from their favorite plants. There are over fifty different varieties of vegetation that attract the stink bug.

Due to the cooler weather and diminishing availability of food and water they will start to look for a place to overwinter. Like many other flying insects, as the weather changes, they look for a warm home to nest. The stink bug will choose to overwinter in your home if they are given an opportunity, and will overrun any home leaving, it smelling like dirty feet.

Be Concerned if a Stink Bug is Spotted…

  • Flying around the living areas of the home
  • Near indoor lighting, light shades, draperies or blinds
  • Around the kitchen or bathroom looking for water sources
  • Near or in the family’s pet water dishes or fish bowls
  • Looking for food near indoor ornamental plants

Preventive Measures to Take for Stink Bug Control

Stink Bug Control begins with an inspection of your property as soon as a BMSB is spotted. Having a licensed pest control expert spray the exterior and interior of the home is helpful. It does not stop there; repeated applications may be required. Checking the exterior of the home for openings, holes, and cracks fends off an invitation to any flying insect who is looking for a suitable place to overwinter. They sense the cooler weather approaching faster than humans. Finding evidence of these pests too late may mean they will be visiting throughout the long winter season. Entomologists suggest avoiding the temptation to step on these pests due to the nasty smell they emit when crushed. Best practices recommended to rid the home of these pests are to vacuum them up or flush them down the toilet.

Remember to Inspect the exterior of the home for:

  • Cracks and openings in the fascia or stucco walls
  • Old and cracking caulking around incoming utility wires, cables, water pipes, and vents
  • Holes in door and window screens

Repairing these items will help keep stink bugs at bay. These smelly insects search for warm areas of the home and can flatten their bodies to fit into the tightest crack. Proper preventive maintenance of the home will keep it that Home Sweet Home.

5 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes and Other Insects

Using Plants for Organic Pest Control

Are you an insect magnet? You can plant herbs that repel insects, including mosquitoes, and add a touch of beauty to your backyard at the same time. The Las Vegas summer heat can be devastating for new plant growth, so experts recommend starting a garden in early spring or fall, which is right around the corner! Seeds should be planted when nighttime temperatures are around 50 degrees.

Our Southern Nevada climate (mild winters and hot, dry summers) is similar to some Mediterranean regions where many of the following insect repelling herbs originated, and that makes your backyard a perfect place to grow mint, basil, rosemary and lavender. Although these plants help repel insects, know that simply including some of these herbs in your garden won’t get rid of every pest.

BASIL

basil to help keep mosquitos away
Basil repels house flies and mosquitoes.

Basil emits its’ aroma without crushing the leaves, so you can grow basil in pots and put them in your backyard to control mosquitoes.  Pinch flowers off and give afternoon shade.

 


LAVENDER

Lavender repels moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes.
Lavender repels moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes.

Although people love the smell of lavender, mosquitoes, flies and other unwanted insects hate it. To control mosquitoes, keep potted lavender plants around seating areas on your patio, backyard and garden and in a sunny location.

 


MINT

bushes that repel insects Las Vegas NV
Mint repels mosquitoes, ants and aphids.

Ants hate the smell of mint! However, never plant mint in the garden, as it is dominant and will take over. Plant in pots and plug the drainage hole to keep the mint contained.

 


CHIVES

Chives to repel insects
Chives are pretty, easy to grow and make good insect repellents.

Chives will repel garden and household pests like ants, aphids and Japanese beetles. Chives are members of the lily family grown for their leaves and flowers, which are equally popular in the garden and in the kitchen. Plant in full sun.

 


ROSEMARY

rosemary to repel insects Nevada
Rosemary repels mosquitoes and insects harmful to vegetable plants.

Mosquitoes often strike while we are barbecuing outdoors. When grilling, throw some stalks of rosemary on the hot coals to give a mosquito repelling aroma. This simple trick will turn your barbecue into a natural mosquito repellent and adds delicious flavor to your food.

If you apply these methods and still experience ant issues, Western Exterminator has compiled a Pest Library to help you not only identify what types of insects you’re dealing with, but help you get your problem under control. Give us a call if you decide you need help combating any home or garden invaders.

Cockroaches – A Crawling Asthma and Allergy Trigger

May marks National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) warns families that cockroaches are a leading trigger of allergies and asthma attacks. The pests saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies contain allergen proteins known to trigger allergies and increase the severity of asthma symptoms, especially in children.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, a cockroach allergy is a common trigger of year-round allergy and asthma. Additionally, children who are allergic to cockroaches, and are exposed to them, need to go to the hospital for asthma more often than other children with asthma.

“Most people are aware of typical indoor allergens including mold, pet dander, dust and second-hand smoke, but they should also be mindful of any cockroach infestations in their home or other places such as schools,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the NPMA. “Cockroach allergens are typically found in areas that are hard to see, such as under appliances and sinks, so it’s important to periodically check those areas, keeping them clean and dry.”

Cockroaches also spread disease such as Salmonella by picking up germs on the spines of their legs, easily contaminating food and surfaces that they touch. They spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six types of parasitic worms and at least seven other kinds of human pathogens.

Locally, in Las Vegas and Henderson, we have three species of cockroaches that are predominant pests: The American cockroach, which is the largest cockroach species in the southwest, the Oriental cockroach, which is darker and smaller in comparison, and the German cockroach, which is the smallest and most difficult to eradicate.

Predominant cockroach species in Las Vegas and Henderson

American Cockroach

Oriental Cockroach

German Cockroach

Follow these tips to prevent cockroaches from infesting your home:

  • Seal cracks around the outside of the home to prevent pest entryways.
  • Vacuum frequently and dispose of garbage regularly.
  • Keep counters and floors clean and free of crumbs that attract pests.
  • Pay extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms, especially under appliances and sinks as these areas are particularly vulnerable to cockroach infestations.
  • If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional to identify the species and recommend a course of treatment.

The above are a few ways you can protect your home from a cockroach infestation. A little work will help to keep roaches out, and your family comfortable. If you want to learn more about cockroaches and the health threats they pose, visit our Pest Identification Library.

Don’t Let Ants Drive You Nuts This Spring

Homeowners in Las Vegas and Henderson at one time or another have seen an ant or two creeping across their kitchen floor or counter top.  During the spring season, this is especially true as nuisance house ants start to emerge from behind walls and baseboards in search for food.  Don’t worry, though, Western Exterminator is ready to help you fight these troublesome insects.

There are two species of ants in our valley that are common home invaders.  They are the argentine ant and odorous house ant. Although these ants are not typically aggressive, nor do they cause damage to the structural integrity of our homes or the contents within, they can aggravate homeowners and contaminate our food supply with their droppings.

Whether you live in Summerlin or Anthem, house-infesting ants are some of the hardest insects to control.  Simply killing the foraging insects will not get rid of the ant problem; you have to eradicate the entire colony to keep them from coming back.  Many people take great pride in tackling home improvements on their own, but do-it-yourself baits and sprays are generally not effective, can be dangerous and often times actually make the problem worse.  There are, however a few things you can do to help make your home less attractive to these annoying insects:

  • Eliminate any standing water around or near your home
  • Repair leaky faucets or drains
  • Keep food, including pet food, in sealed containers
  • Dispose of garbage daily
  • Clean crumbs and spills immediately
  • Keep trees and shrub branches cut back away from your house
  • Seal cracks and holes around your home with caulking

Keeping Ants Out of Your Home

Because of their small size and persistence, ants are a frequent nuisance for many homeowners. Treating an infestation can be time-consuming and costly, and so the best method for dealing with ants is prevention. Ants require food, water, and shelter, and denying them these three things is the key to ensuring that a home will not be a target for an ant infestation.

AVOID ANTS WITH A CLEAN HOUSE

The first, and perhaps easiest, measure to take is to keep a clean house. Ants will scavenge for the tiniest particles of food and ensuring that leftovers are not kept out overnight is not enough. Counters and dishes should be wiped down and spills should be wiped up with soapy water as soon as possible. Besides keeping the environment clean for humans, this also ensures that any chemical trails laid by ants will be washed away.

Since ants often come indoors seeking water, leaks and drips should be fixed around the house. Not only does this keep thirsty ants away, but it keeps water damage from occurring and leading to an inviting environment for ants to nest. Certain ant species can and will nest in the instabilities that form in walls, floors, and building foundations from water damage. Keeping an eye out for these damaged areas and removing them removes a potential nesting site for ants. Sealing cracks in walls and foundations also ensures that ants cannot enter a home.

CHECK ALL WOOD STRUCTURES AND TREES FOR ANT COLONIES

Some ants nest in rotted wood, and so both wooden structures in the home and trees surrounding a home should be checked. Any dead portions should be removed, and foliage should as a rule be kept trimmed back from a home in order to keep ants from coming close. Any nests noticed outside should be treated to keep them from spreading indoors. Certain species of ants are capable of multiplying rapidly, expanding their nests into mega colonies with multiple queens. These interconnected nests can take up a large amount of territory and need a lot of food.

KILL ANTS IMMEDIATELY

If ants are seen indoors they should be killed immediately. Ants send scouts ahead to search for food, water, and potential nesting sites. Killing these scouts ensures that any information about food or water in a home does not make it back to the nest.

Prevention may be the best means of dealing with ants but it is not foolproof. If an infestation occurs, a licensed pest control professional should be called.

If all of your attempts to prevent these insects from entering your home fail, Western Exterminator is ready to help!  We offer effective ant control in Las Vegas and Henderson that will curb your ant infestation.  Contact Western Exterminator today to get those invading ants out of your Southern Nevada home.

Ant Infestations – Where Do Ants Hide?

Ants are one of the top nuisance pests in our Las Vegas valley. If you’ve ever found ants crawling across the kitchen counter or noticed a trail of little black ants on the bathroom floor, you’re probably not alone. Ants enter homes year-round in search of water and food, making them the #1 nuisance pest in America. With spring around the corner, now is the perfect time to learn about the most common ant-infested areas in a home and how to prevent an unwanted infestation.

A recent survey of pest professionals across the country, conducted by the National Pest Management Association, found kitchens (96%) and bathrooms (89%) to be particularly vulnerable to ants.

Kitchen

It’s probably not a surprise the kitchen is considered a favorite ant hangout. In addition to food access, the sink provides a water source that ants need to survive. If you’re lax about immediately cleaning up crumbs and spills, you may be inviting ants in.  Here are a few tips to keep ants out of the kitchen:

  • Store sweet staples like sugar, syrup and honey in plastic containers that snap shut, and wipe them down to remove any sticky residue. You can also place a bay leaf inside canisters of dry goods like flour to keep the ants out. The herb’s pungent scent repels ants and other common pantry pests.
  • Clean up grease spills from countertops and floors as soon as they happen.
  • Any empty juice or soda containers should be rinsed out before recycling or throwing away. And, make sure to take the trash out regularly.
  • Check the fruit bowl – any over ripe fruit will attract ants.
  • Keep an eye out for water buildup in the sink and leaks around the faucet.
  • If you have pets, be sure to pick up any leftover food and wash the bowls regularly.

Bathroom

 

Areas around the house with excess moisture are known to attract ants, so bathrooms are highly susceptible to an infestation.  To prevent an infestation in the bathroom, homeowners should:

  • Occasionally, inspect sinks, toilets and tubs for any leaks or drips.
  • Give the bathroom a thorough cleaning by scrubbing the floors with disinfectant cleaner, and wiping down the inside of drawers with warm soapy water.
  • Check to ensure shampoo, lotion and soap bottles are secured and no contents have spilled out of their containers.

Do It Yourself & Keep The Pests Out of Your Home

The above are a few ways you can protect your home from ants moving in this summer. A little work will help to keep ants out, and your family comfortable. However, if you do encounter a pest problem this summer, seeking the advice of an experienced pest control company can help you get rid of these unwanted visitors.

 

6 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Ants

Argentine and Odorous house ants are common in many Las Vegas and Henderson homes. There’s nothing like walking into your kitchen first thing in the morning, bleary eyed and ready for your morning cup of coffee only to find that your home has been invaded. Below are some of the best natural remedies you can try to get rid of the ants infesting your space.

1. Mint

Plant mint around perimeter of your home to repel insects.

Peppermint is a natural insect repellant. You can plant mint around your home or use the essential oil of peppermint as a natural remedy for control of ants. Ants hate the smell, and your home will smell minty fresh! Plant mint around entryways and the perimeter of your home.  Place a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball and use it to wipe suspected areas. You can also place a peppermint oil cotton ball in areas such as cabinets where the ants frequent.

2. Vinegar

Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the ants to kill them, then wipe up the ants using a damp paper towel and discard them. You can also use vinegar and water as a deterrent; spray it around your windowsills, doorways and other places where you see ants coming inside.

3. Lemon Juice

Just like vinegar, lemon juice also seems to destroy the scent trails that ants follow. Try mixing up a solution of 1 part lemon juice to 3 parts water and use as an all-purpose spray. Spray the lemon solution around entryways and the perimeter of your home, or any areas where you see ants.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a great option for killing ants. When an ant inhales cinnamon, it suffocates and dies. You can use ground cinnamon and sprinkle on the ants’ path or around an anthill opening. Cinnamon essential oil also works well to repel ants. Mix a few drops of cinnamon oil with water and spray on ant trails, around doors, windows and cracks.

5. Cayenne Pepper or Black Pepper

Both cayenne and black pepper repel ants.

Ants hate cayenne pepper. Black pepper will work just as well too. Locate the source of the ant infestation problem, sprinkle some pepper around that area and if possible, create a wall that will stop the ants from accessing your household. An alternative solution is to mix some pepper with water and spray the resulting solution at the ants. The pepper won’t kill the ants but it sure will deter them from returning.

6. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth breaks down the exoskeleton of insects.

Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) also works well as an ant repellent. This powder is the fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. The microscopic razor sharp edges of DE can cut through the ants’ exoskeletons, gradually causing their body to dry out.

  1. Gently sprinkle a thin layer of DE on windowsills, beneath the fridge, under cabinets, in and around garbage cans and any other places where you see ants.
  2. Repeat once daily until all the ants are gone.

If you apply these methods and still experience ant issues, Western Exterminator has compiled an Ant Resource Center to help you not only identify what types of ants you’re dealing with, but help you get your problem under control. We also provide expert solutions to help our customers keep their homes and businesses ant free. Give us a call if you decide you need help combating these invaders.