Ants are some of the most common pests to invade Canoga Park homes. Seeing these creepy-crawlies inside your home is an unpleasant and irritating sight more often than not. These nuisance pests bring several risks to your health, rendering it crucial to keep them at bay.
From itchy and painful bites to damaging household items to being carriers of various bacteria and containing your food supplies, these pets can spread diseases and wreak havoc on your home if overlooked.
There are about 12,000 species of ants worldwide, with 1,000 occurring in the U.S. However, only a few become household pests and are a cause of concern, including carpenter ants, fire ants, and odorous ants.
While ants are an integral part of the ecosystem, they have no role in a human habitat like your home but to cause destruction. But to prevent an ant infestation, it is vital to know what attracts them to your home in the first place. Sugar, water, and shelter attract ants to homes and this
article will discuss all you need to know about getting rid of ants by eliminating some of their common attractants.
What Attracts Ants?
Like most living organisms and household pests, sugar, water, and shelter attract ants to homes. So let’s take a deeper look at each.
Sugar
Ants eat virtually anything they can access, like seeds, greasy foods, plants, and leftover food scraps. While they seek fats and protein-rich foods, there is nothing that draws these creatures toward your home as sugar does.
Sugar is the primary source of carbohydrates for ants, providing them with the boost of energy they need to remain active. Accordingly, ants will quickly gather and feast on any food with a sweet scent, including sugary food crumbs and spills.
Water
Water is essential for the survival of all living things, and ants are no exception. Ants do not require excessive amounts of water to stay hydrated. They will be attracted to moist areas in your home, like the bathroom, and other sources like stagnant water, potted plants, pet water bowls, or the kitchen sink.
Shelter
Besides food and water, ants also seek safe and convenient living spaces. Their minuscule size lets them squeeze through the tightest places and enter your home. These include gaps, cracks, and crevices in your home’s exterior or foundation, utility openings, and other tiny spaces.
How Can You Prevent Ants?
The best way to keep ants out of your home and make it home less appealing to these pests is by removing what attracts them towards it. That includes:
Removing All Food Sources
Store all nonperishable foods like crackers, nuts, and seeds in airtight containers and place all leftover food in the refrigerator. That also includes sugary ripe fruit to eliminate the pungent smell and prevent ants from invading your kitchen. Clean crumbs and spills immediately, and do not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Maintaining Cleanliness
Thoroughly wipe down your kitchen tops and appliances like the stove and toaster oven with a disinfectant, especially each night. That will remove grease buildup and food crumbs that may have accumulated. Sweep and mop the floors daily in the kitchen and living room to remove exposed foods or spills hidden out of view.
Lastly, empty your trash cans each night and keep them at a bit of distance from your home, covering them with a tight-fitting to prevent ant access.
Eliminating Moisture
Prevent standing water in or around your home by regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts. Ensure there are no plumbing leakages, such as from leaky faucets or under the sink. Dry your kitchen sink, counters, and bathtub after each use, and install a dehumidifier in areas with humidity levels to prevent excess moisture buildup.
Keep Those Teeny Ants Out of Your Home Now!
A trail of ants scurrying around your home is not something you should overlook. These pests can bring about several health hazards, such as contaminating food items, and can bite/sting you, causing immediate, sharp pain.
Sugar, water, and shelter attract ants to homes, but getting rid of an active ant infestation is a near-impossible task with DIY methods. If you spot ants inside your home, take quick action and call for expert help. A licensed professional pest exterminator will use the right tools and products to prevent or contain the infestation and keep ants away from your home.
Our ant extermination experts are ready to help you eliminate ants in your Canoga Park home. Call us now to schedule your inspection and reclaim your space by eliminating these troublesome critters for good!
