Five Ant Control Tips for Your Portland Home

Nothing is more frustrating than a stubborn ant infestation that you just can’t seem to get rid of. You may have tried everything from expensive bait stations that you can get from your local hardware store to natural remedies found online, but still, these troublesome insects just won’t go away. At PestLock, our experienced exterminators have the skills and professional pest control products that will finally send those ants packing. Check out five ant control tips below, then request your free ant inspection online!

Tips to Control Ants

Know Where They Like to Hang Out

We all know that ants love to hang out in kitchens. Ants need food and water to survive, and this area often provides them with the quickest and easiest access to both. In addition to the kitchen, ants are also attracted to other locations that have high levels of moisture, like bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and the areas surrounding HVAC units. On occasion, they also like to hang out in bedrooms, living rooms, and other rooms. Knowing where to find ants is the first critical step in residential ant control.

Keep Your Home Clean

As a good rule of thumb, keeping your home clean is one of the easiest ways to avoid untimely pest infestations, including ant infestations. That is not to say that ants are only attracted to dirty, unsanitary conditions; even the cleanest home can be a target for ants. However, if you have crumbs of food on your counters, floors, and other surfaces, these do nothing but serve as a giant magnet for ants who are looking for food. Sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping off your counters on a regular basis can help eliminate this common source of food for ants.

Eliminate Food Sources

In addition to clearing away food and crumbs in your kitchen, be sure to evaluate other possible sources of food around your home. Ants love pet food. Regardless of whether you store your cat food or dog kibble indoors or outdoors, you want to make sure that it is in some kind of container that has a tight, locking lid. Promptly remove trash from your home and place it in an outdoor receptacle that has a secure lid. If you have a dry storage area in your basement or crawlspace, do your best to ensure any food is in airtight containers.

Eliminate Moisture

Similar to termites and other pests, ants love moisture, and they are often drawn to areas of your home where this natural resource is readily available. If you have recently discovered ants in your kitchen, check the plumbing under your kitchen sink to determine if there is a leak. Broken refrigerator water lines can also attract ants. Likewise, if you have ants in your bathroom, check your toilet, sink, and shower for possible leaks. Reducing the moisture content in these areas can go a long way in preventing ant infestations.

Secure Possible Entry Points

Some unlucky homeowners still find themselves dealing with ants after removing all food and water sources. If you can, it is helpful to determine how the ants are gaining access to your home. Inspecting the outside of your home is quick and easy, and can help identify entry points. Check window screens and door jambs for any tiny cracks, and repair them promptly. Cracks and crevices around the exterior of your home’s foundation can be sealed with silicone caulk. Pruning trees and bushes away from your home can also eliminate a possible entry point.

Call In the Portland Ant Control Experts

Are you ready to finally lock ants out of your home? If you have tried the tips we have provided in today’s post only to discover ants time and time again, then it may be time to call in a professional. When you call the Portland exterminators at PestLock, you can count on getting a thorough inspection of your home to determine which type of ant is invading your home. Next, we’ll devise an appropriate treatment plan that is designed to eradicate the entire colony, not just the ones that you can see. We’ll do all of this with you and your pet’s safety in mind to provide effective pest control services you can rely on.

Ready to get started? Call 503-342-8303 today or request your pest inspection online now!