Protecting your home from ants can sometimes feel like an impossible task. These tiny bugs can get in through the smallest of spaces. Once they’re in your home, you might see them everywhere. They’ll be crawling over dishes in the sink, under the microwave, around the edge of the fridge, on the shelves of your pantry…

Carpenter Ants

In order to help you keep ants out of your Kingston home this spring, we’ve put together a guide on how to protect yourself from all kinds of ants. Follow these steps and you’ll be able to enjoy the warmer weather without worrying about ants in your kitchen. Let’s get started.

Step One: Identification

To get rid of ants, you first need to identify which ants are in the area and causing problems. Each type of ant brings its own quirks and difficulties. Here is some information about three of the most common types of ants in Kingston.

Carpenter ants get their name because they build nests in wood. They can cause severe property damage as they can chew tunnels through the wooden structures of your home. They are fairly large and red or black in color.

Pharaoh ants are yellow or tan. These ants are problematic because they’re very hard to get rid of. Pharaoh ants are experts at budding, which is when an ant colony splits into two or more separate colonies to avoid danger.

Finally, odorous house ants are common home invaders. These ants appear in large numbers. They’re tiny black ants known for the foul odor they emit when squished.

All ants can get into cabinets and sometimes into packaging, contaminating your food. Though most ants don’t carry diseases or bite humans, they are still nuisance pests and should be kept out of your home.

Step Two: Attracting Factors

Once you know what ants you’re dealing with, it’s time to look at factors that might be attracting them. There are three things that lead to ant infestations:

Easy access to your home.
Moisture.
Plenty of food.

Step Three: Prevention

To prevent ants, you need to eliminate these attracting factors.

Start by circling the exterior of your home to search for entry points. Although ants can fit through tiny spaces, it will help to fill in any large holes or cracks that might be especially inviting. Also, check for tears in your screens and make sure you have door sweeps installed.
Next, you want to reduce the moisture in your home using a dehumidifier. This is especially true to prevent carpenter ants, which are attracted to damp wood, which is softer. Check for leaks and repair any water damage around your home.
Finally, make sure that you aren’t feeding ants. Clean often and clean thoroughly, making sure to wipe down under appliances and wash dishes at night. Don’t leave pet food, bird seed, or fruit sitting outside overnight. Seal all food and garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids.

Step Four: Elimination

If ants get inside anyway, it’s time to reach out for professional help. We want to help you keep your home feeling like a safe haven. Here at Pestmaster® Services, we are experts at helping you create long-term solutions for your pest problems.

If you can’t get rid of ants on your own, we’ll come by for an inspection and treatment. Our approach includes environmental changes to remove attractive factors and the sealing of entry points. With Pestmaster® Services, you’ll be able to enjoy the rest of the summer without ants.