Nobody wants an ant infestation but, during the summer, it can happen. This is because the pesky creatures are more active during the summer months due to the fact that the weather is warmer and they can forage a lot more, as it’s much better for them to search for food and water.
As well as this, warm temperatures also speed up their metabolism, which helps them to be more active. This means they are more likely to enter homes in search of these resources, as well as nesting and reproductive activity – and this can be a problem for many homeowners.
Little may you know, you may also be doing a few things to attract ants to your property and, as National Pest Day takes place today (June 6), we thought we’d let you know where you could be going wrong.
According to Orkin on TikTok, there are three things people are doing every day that can easily attract ants, and they may not even be aware of it. Sometimes the simplest things can attract the pests to your home.
Leaving food out
Leaving food out anywhere is one way you’ll attract them, and they particularly like sugary and greasy substances too. Ants are opportunistic feeders and have a keen sense of smell, which means they can sniff out food sources even from a distance.
Not cleaning work surfaces
If you fail to regularly clean countertops then this could be problematic for you. You should clean surfaces regularly to reduce the chances of an ant infestation.
Regularly wiping down surfaces, storing food properly and sealing cracks and crevices can majorly reduce the risk of ant infestations. If they can’t smell anything, they’ll be less likely to visit.
It’s important to try and keep kitchen worktops free from crumbs. This will prevent them from wanting to pay you a visit.
Leaving water exposed
Many ants are attracted to moisture and humidity so tightening faucets is important. If you tighten up any loose faucet fittings and address leaks, this should help to reduce ant activity by eliminating moisture sources that attract them.
Ants are attracted to damp areas, so they like anything that can offer a constant supply of water and a humid environment. By addressing these issues, you can disrupt their foraging patterns and reduce the chances of them visiting.
How to deter ants
If you think you have an ant problem, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them in a humane way. Generally, you should focus on repellents and disrupting their trails, rather than harming them.
Natural options like vinegar, lemon juice, peppermint oil and citrus peels can deter ants by disrupting their pheromone trails and masking their natural scent trails. Ants are also repelled by the strong smell of garlic.
You could put some garlic powder near the nest or spray garlic water to try and deter them. Scattering coffee grounds around plants or near entry points can also work, as ants are known to dislike them.
To try and keep them out of the house, you can also work to seal any potential entry points. Making sure they can’t find a way in is one of the keys to keeping them out.
If you’re worried ants are becoming a major problem, contact a pest control expert for advice. They’ll be able to best advise what to do going forward.
