Ants Invading Your Midwest Home? Here's How to Stop Them in Their Tracks
Don't be fooled by their small size—ants are one of the biggest problems facing Midwest homeowners, especially in the summer. These tiny little insects sneak their way indoors in pursuit of food, water, or shelter, and they leave behind a trail of pheromones that attracts others to follow in their path. And because they nest and reproduce quickly, ant problems can often get out of control before you even notice them.
Once inside, ants can pose a serious risk to you and your home. They're capable of chewing through electrical wiring, destroying your drywall and insulation, and even potentially contaminating the food in your cabinets or pantry. While squishing one or two ants is easy enough, dealing with an infestation in your house can be a lot to handle.
Thankfully, Greenix Pest Control is here to help. We offer expert treatments for issues with ants in the Midwest and beyond, that are proven to be effective and reliable. Our highly trained technicians have the tools and knowledge necessary to identify the source of your ant infestation and swiftly eliminate it once and for all.
While Greenix's eco-friendly pest control services are the best route to take, there are some things you can do to fight back yourself. The most important thing is that you act quickly before your problem gets worse. Keep reading to learn more about how to get rid of ants and what to do when you find signs of an ant infestation.
Identify Your Issue
The first step you should take in addressing your ant problem is assessing the full scope of your issue. While you may have discovered ants in one room, check other areas they may frequently appear, such as the kitchen, the bathroom, near doors and windows, and wherever you keep your pet food. You also may have an ant infestation in your walls as they crawl through the cracks and crevices of your home to get around.
After you've established an understanding of your ant infestation, take a moment to clean any areas you can that they have popped up. Use disinfectant wipes or sprays to clean any countertops, sinks, cabinets, coffee tables, stovetops, and other surfaces ants have been spotted.
At-Home Remedies
Humans have had to deal with ant infestations for centuries. As such, we've developed a few DIY methods of ant control that can help with smaller-scale issues. Some common DIY ant control treatments include vinegar, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, peppermint, or some combination of all of the above. An easy thing you can do is fill a spray bottle with a half-vinegar, half-water solution and spray down any areas where ants have appeared.
Store-Bought Solutions
Many people's first instinct after discovering an ant infestation in their house is to head to the store for reinforcements. But while bait stations, liquid traps, and repellent sprays can be effective in certain situations, they really only serve as a Band-Aid on a larger issue. Ants are smart and are able to adapt quickly to get around sprayed areas or locations lined with traps. You may take a few of them out, but their colony will still be thriving as they simply find a new place to hide.
Preventative Ant Control Strategies
The easiest way to help prevent ants from entering your home in the first place is to maintain clean surroundings. Keep trash in the proper bins and wipe down all surfaces and counters when cooking, and use tight and sturdy containers to store your food. You should also keep an eye out for any leaky pipes or other places where water can build up, such as in the bathroom or under your kitchen sink.
Beyond matters of cleanliness, you should also take the time to regularly inspect your home's foundation, both inside and out. Check for any cracks, seams, or crevices that could serve as an entryway and seal them off with caulk/concrete/etc. If you have a lawn, make sure any plants or vegetation is trimmed back from your building, along with exercising general lawn maintenance care. As you keep these things in check, make it a habit to regularly examine your entire living area for ant infestation signs and areas that can be addressed to improve your home's health.
Invest in Professional Ant Control Services with Greenix
While there are some ways you can help protect your home from ants on your own, the best solution is to bring in the pros at Greenix Pest Control. We have the tools and expertise necessary to deliver comprehensive ant control treatments proven to be eco-friendly and effective in eradicating ant problems of any size. We offer both removal services and preventative care to help keep your entire home covered from all angles. Looking to learn more? Check out our main ant control and pest control pages for additional information. Once you're ready, give us a call or request a quote on ant control services to get started today!
