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.