Ants are one of the most common insects in the world. There are over 20 ant species found in Great Britain alone and there are thousands of others that are scattered across the world, adapting to their region and climate. As fascinating as these creatures are; you wouldn’t want to have an ant infestation in your home.
Why do ants invade our living spaces?
It is uncommon for ants to come into your home, they are more likely to crawl about in gardens or unhygienic places. It’s vital that you ensure the sanitary conditions in your home are up to par to reduce the chance of an ant infestation. However, sometimes it is not based on how dirty or clean your house is, but because an ant queen has set up a colony nearby and the worker ants are then sent to fetch food so that their colony thrives.
Here are some ways that you can ensure there are no ants in your home:
Clean up
A dirty house is essentially an open invitation to pests. Cleaning all areas of your house regularly will make your home a less welcoming environment and keep those pesky pests at bay.
Ensure that there is no food or spillage on the counters. Close any jars that contain food such as biscuits, honey or crisps etc. tightly. Wipe all counters and worktops with antibacterial wipes, and collect any crumbs that are thrown on the floor into the bin. Seal the garbage disposal can or bag tightly so that nothing can go inside.
If you have ants in the area
If there are ants in your area in summer or spring it’s likely that this is a common area for ants due to the natural environment. You will need to contact your local council if they offer you free fumigation services.
Infestations
If your home is already infested with ants, it’s important you act quickly to avoid their population increasing. Locate their trail by following where the worker ants are coming from. Often their trail leads to the colony where the queen is. Then depending on the size of the colony, It's likely you will then need to contact an exterminator to have them removed.
Baits
Using ant baits is one of the best ways to get rid of them or at the very least, reduce their numbers. They come in various forms such as gels or powders. The bait’s smell attracts the ants to swarm around the area it has been placed and the poison within the bait will eventually kill them off.
Seal every entry point
Ensure that all entry points for ants are properly sealed such as any cracks or crevices.
It is always wise to have your home insured for pests so that you don’t have to fork out hundreds of pounds to have them removed. Head over to https://row.co.uk/home-emergency-cover to get insured.
*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.