Summer is here, and that sometimes means ants make their appearance indoors. It starts with one, then two, and before you know it, your home is infested.
Ants are important in the garden as they can drive out the predators that damage your plants. However, when they take up residence indoors, you must act before it's too late. Here are a few tips to eliminate ants.
Tip #1: Discover what attracts them to your house
Ants are attracted by food, garbage and sugar. It is important to make sure that food containers are closed tightly. Clean your kitchen thoroughly to remove crumbs and food scraps from hard-to-reach places. Make sure all garbage is put in a garbage can with a tight lid and empty your vacuum cleaner's filter on a regular basis.
Tip #2: Inspect your house
Inspect all doors and windows and make sure they are well sealed. Also, check for cracks in walls and foundations; these tireless workers will gladly use them to infest your home.
Tip #3: Use the right product
Prevention can help avoid infestations, but once ants have taken up residence in your home, you must act quickly. Buy a product designed to kill ants both indoors and outdoors.
Insecticidal spray
Treat locally with an insecticide spray aimed at hiding spots, cracks and crevices. Take the time to spray behind furniture and appliances such as shelving units, refrigerator, stove and sinks. Do not forget to spray along walls and baseboards. Finally, spray along ant trails and near nests and points of entry to the house. Re-apply in case of a new infestation.
Insecticidal dust
Another option is to eliminate ants using insecticidal dust. The benefit of using this kind of product is that it combines two food grade additives: one attracts ants whereas the other is a digestive ingredient. It kills ants within 48 hours. You can apply this product indoors and outdoors in places that will not be affected by strong winds or rainfalls. Apply in the same strategic places as the insecticidal spray.
Gel ant bait
This product is a special food bait that is very attractive to ants. Instead of repelling them, it is designed to lure them. The ants pick up the bait and bring it back to the nest to feed the colony. The bait is applied with a syringe in cracks and crevices around windows and doors, inside or outside. Place baits 1.5 m to 3 m apart.
