Spring Time can Mean Ant Time in the Northwest

Apr 18
07:49

2012

Bob B. Hamilton

Bob B. Hamilton

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During the spring time, all sorts of bugs will emerge from hiding. One of the main insects that can give homeowners in the Northwest problems is the ant. Here are some tips to keep these pests out of your home.

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During the spring time,Spring Time can Mean Ant Time in the Northwest Articles all sorts of bugs will emerge from hiding.  One of the main insects that can give homeowners in the Northwest problems is the ant.  Here are some tips to keep these pests out of your home.

Ants typically make their homes outside and simply enter yours to look for food to carry back to their abode.  The closer their home is to yours, the more likely they will be to enter.  Therefore, check around your home for the presence of ant hills.  If you find any, use poison to get rid of the potential problem immediately.

It is also important to keep the interior of your home as clean as you can.  The more you sweep and vacuum, the fewer ants you will have in your home.  If you happen to leave a few small crumbs behind, they will be more than enough to attract quite a few ants.  It is best for you to vacuum and sweep on a daily basis during the spring time and after.

Never keep food in a location which is incredibly easy for ants to access.  These insects especially love to go out at night in search of food.  Dishes left in the sink overnight will be easy for them to get to.  Make sure you clean up any spills that occur as soon as possible too.

Do not make the mistake of keeping pet food in a bowl for long periods of time.  If your dog or cat is not eating the food, then ants will be more than happy to take it.  Keep all food bowls clean and free of food.

Another thing you should do is trim back plants that are overgrowing and touching your home.  Overgrown plants will allow ants to simply walk over and search for an access point to your home.  Ideally, you will want plants at least a couple of feet away from your home.

Trying to fight ants that have already invaded your home often turns out to be a losing proposition.  You can try using poisons to limit the problem as long as you do so carefully.  Natural substances like boric acid power and diatomaceous earth will be effective for killing them too.

Once the ants are inside though, they are usually hard for the average homeowner to get rid of.  It will likely be in your best interests to call in a pest control company to let them get rid of the problem for you.