How Do I Get Rid of Ants?

Have you noticed ants making their way into your home? Ants can be a real challenge for homeowners, though more common in the springtime, ants are a pest that can invade homes year-round. Like many other household pests, the easiest way to get rid of ants is to prevent infestations in the first place. Fortunately, there are some very easy things you can do to help prevent ant infestations or to discourage ants from coming back if you have already had an infestation.

While you may not think of ants as a problem until you start to see them in your house, ant infestations actually start outside. Taking some simple steps outdoors can help keep ants from the perimeter of your home, which is one way to keep them from coming inside your home.

Cut back tree branches.

Ants and other pests use tree branches as a way to move from your yard into your home. If there are any tree branches overhanging your house, especially ones that actually touch your roof or your siding, trim them back. Keeping a distance of several inches between trees and your home can help prevent pests from using tree branches as a way to move from your yard to vulnerable spots in your house.

Cut back bushes and shrubs.

Like tree branches, ants often use shrubbery as a way to move into your household. They can climb, undetected, through the shrubs, and even use shrubs as living spaces or sources of food, then move into your household. Keep shrubbery cut back several inches from your home.

Remove mulch.

As much as we all love the look of freshly mulched flower beds, you want to keep mulch from touching the exterior of your home. It provides a great home for ants and can be especially attractive for damaging carpenter ants!

Clean your gutters.

Debris in gutters not only provides a food source for ants but can actually double as ant housing. In addition, if your gutters overflow and cause any type of minor leaks in your home, you have created another access point for ants.

While keeping the outside of your home in good order helps reduce the likelihood of ants, the number one tip for getting rid of ants is to keep a clean and organized kitchen. Only store food in your kitchen, immediately clean up any spills or crumbs in other rooms, and follow these basic kitchen cleanliness rules:

• Store all food in airtight containers;
• Do not leave dirty dishes for an extended period of time;
• Immediately clean up spills or food debris; and
• Make sure that there are no leaks or other water sources, which might attract pests.

If you follow these tips, you should reduce your chances of getting ants. However, if you have an existing ant problem and need professional help, Viking Pest can provide you with the fast, efficient, environmentally-friendly services you need at the price you want.

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