Ant infestation in the home and garden can increase the risk of food contamination and property damage. While these insects may not carry diseases, their bites can induce allergy-related symptoms, making it important to opt for pest control. Management strategies can help prevent and control infestations, but they can be challenging as each colony contains thousands of ants. So, the best way to target them is to remove the source that brought them in.

How to prevent an infestation?
Ants can get rid of dead animals, deposit organic matter into the soil, pollinate flowers, form tunnels, and aerate the ground, which can be helpful in a garden. However, some species of ants are considered nuisance pests and can inflict severe bites and stings, making it essential to prevent an infestation. The insects are attracted to foods and sugar. Some ant nests are formed above ground as mounds of soil or small stones, while others are concealed beneath the surface or in locations like under rocks, tree logs, and other debris. Here are a few tips for ant pest control:

Keep the house clean: Maintaining a clean home is the first step toward achieving complete ant control. Avoid clutter and mess by cleaning up the home, taking out the garbage, and avoiding leaving dirty dishes around the house. This prevents insects from finding and gathering near food. Spray a mixture of vinegar and water over pet food bowls to avoid attracting ants

Eliminate damp spots: Getting rid of sources of moisture and avoiding standing water around your property can effectively prevent ant infestations. Fix leaking pipes and regularly inspect areas under the sinks for wet spots. Use a dehumidifier for damp places in the basement, crawl space, or attic. Ensure that the downspouts and gutters work, so the water is directed away from the house’s foundation.

Seal potential entry points: Find cracks and other potential entry points for ants and seal them for effective ant control. Caulk any gaps and then apply an insecticide around the doors and windows. Use an insecticide containing bifenthrin, permethrin, or deltamethrin and mist the surface with just enough water to create a 4-inch wide band. The spray will leave behind an invisible film at the entry point and acts as a barrier against the pests, keeping them from entering the residence until it has dried.

Eliminate all sources of sustenance: Ants are less likely to invade a kitchen with no open food or crumbs. So, store food in sealed, insect-resistant containers, and refrigerate ripening fruits. Get rid of waste and ensure that trash cans are covered with lids. Wiping the countertops and sweeping the floors regularly will assist in cleaning up crumbs, tiny spills, and residue that can attract ants.

How to control an infestation?
Natural repellents can serve as the best pest control for ants. Here are some popular options:

Diatomaceous earth: This is a non-toxic powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. It can kill ants and other tiny pests without harming pets and birds. However, the powder can be irritating, so you should avoid breathing it in or getting it on your skin. Diatomaceous earth sucks the oils from the bones of insects, making them dry out and die, making it an ideal ant control option. The powder is available online and is sold by different brands. You can follow the instructions on the container and sprinkle the powder wherever you see pests around the house.

Borax pesticide: You can find DIY recipes for pesticides that contain borax or boric acid, which are naturally occurring compounds toxic to humans and animals only when consumed in large amounts. This chemical is widely used for ant pest control and can be easily found in convenience stores.

Sticky traps: Ants are attracted to sweet foods, including fruits and flowers (especially peonies) with nectar-rich blooms. This is one of the best pest control measures to prevent ants from swarming your garden. Either purchase a commercially available sticky product like Tanglefoot or make your sticky traps by wrapping adhesive paper strips around the plant’s base. This can deter the ants from reaching the fruit or flower.

Boiling water: The most well-known natural pest control method involves boiling water. Find as many nests as possible, and then pour boiling water into all their entrances. You must repeat this process until all the ants have been eliminated.

Oil and dishwashing liquid spray: Dishwashing liquid and oil can soak into the ants’ exoskeletons, resulting in suffocation. Combine a quarter-teaspoon of liquid dish soap, 1.5 tablespoons of cooking oil (olive oil or canola oil are ideal), and one quart of water and pour some of it into a spray bottle. Spray the liquid outside the ant nest and pour the remainder inside the nest to eliminate the pests.

You may use one or more of the repellents and insecticides as natural pest control for ants. You can also engage professional ant control services to treat infestations effectively. Keeping your home and backyard clean and eliminating potential entry points and hiding places are effective preventive measures.