5 Steps to Keep Ants Out of the Kitchen

5 Tips to Keep Ants Out of the KitchenAs the weather cools down, ants need a place that is warm and safe so that they can spend winter in a comfortable haven. In most cases, this haven happens to be your home.

An ant infestation can drive almost anyone crazy, trying to keep up with the problem, only to find they’re back a few hours later can cause frustration to just about anyone. Ants are a very common occurrence in the Las Vegas and Henderson areas and although some homeowners may never experience an ant infestation, others can constantly be plagued by these little nuisance pests.

Odorous house ants and argentine ants tend to start showing up in the spring, and once temperatures reach triple digits, they often march inside homes in search of food and water sources. And no one wants to invite them into their home and support their large ant families.

While different species have different requirements, all have three things in common: the need for food, shelter, and water. Controlling access to these three requirements is vital in preventing an ant infestation and it’s probably not a surprise that the kitchen is considered a favorite ant hangout. Here are a few tips to keep ants out of the kitchen:

 Clean Up and Don’t Leave Dishes In The Sink Overnight

The first, and perhaps easiest measure to take, is to keep a clean kitchen. 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 pheromone trails laid by ants will be washed away.

Sweep and Mop Your Kitchen Floor

Ants leave pheromone trails behind. Just mopping or sweeping your floor won’t eliminate the ant trail; it needs to be cleared away with some disinfecting cleanser. Try mixing a solution of ½ vinegar and ½ water in a spray bottle, and apply to your kitchen floor before you mop. Make sure to target ant areas where you have witnessed ant activity.

Pick Up Pet Food Bowls

Your pets may not be the only ones eating from their dishes. Ants are often found swarming in food and water bowls because they need water and love the protein in pet food. When feeding, try to place the bowls away from foundation walls. It’s very easy for ants to trail in from outside and find Fido’s food. Keep pet dishes slightly elevated if you can, and pick up and discard any uneaten food every night before you go to bed

Keep Food in Sealed Containers

Ants are in search of sugar-based foods and protein-based foods. Be sure to store all open food in containers with tight fitting lids. Glass and plastic containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you feel an ant can get into a certain type of food, just store it in an airtight container to prevent access.

Take Out The Trash

Ant colonies will find your trash as treasure. Food items should never be left in the garbage pail to sit for days, so trash should be taken out frequently. Make sure all perishables are bagged well before throwing them away. As garbage breaks down, it takes on an even stronger odor, so keep your outdoor garbage bins as far from your home as possible and rinse out with soap and water regularly.

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.

Bug of the Week ~ Polka-dot wasp moth

The Polka-dot wasp moth is sometimes called the Uncle Sam Moth because of its red, white, and blue colors!  With its iridescent gunmetal blue coloring punctuated by white dots and a bright red tip on its abdomen, this insect may look dangerous, but it’s harmless. These moths and their caterpillars like to feed on oleander plants.

This exceptional moth (Syntomeida epilais) breaks a number of Mother Nature’s rules. Adult moths fly at night, however this beautiful moth flies in the daylight hours and is native to south Florida and the Caribbean Islands. Moths and butterflies emit pheromones (attracting scents) to attract mates. The female polka-dot wasp moth emits ultra sonic clicking sounds to attract a mate, not the scented pheromones like most other moths and butterflies. When the male comes within a few feet he’ll start clicking as well.