Ants are the number one nuisance pest in the Unites States. The total ant population, on the planet, is estimated at one quadrillion (1 followed by 15 zeros). With more than 10,000 species, 700 of which reside in the U.S., it is unlikely that there isn’t at least one ant in your house at any given time of the day or night.
There are, however, many things you can do to discourage an ant build-up, and reduce your chances of ants invading your home.
First, eliminate their food sources. Keep your kitchen clean by sweeping up the food crumbs, wiping the counter tops, cleaning the dishes from the sink, and keeping the garbage disposal clean of waste is a good start. And don’t forget that food pantry. Make sure boxed items are closed and sealed, and don’t let the food rot while it is in there either.
Second, reduce areas where standing water and moisture collects. Leaky pipes, damp basements (get a dehumidifier), downspouts that don’t run away from the structure, bad soil grading, and empty containers that gather rain water are all areas where ants like to hangout.
Third, remove dead debris, rake up the leaves, move the firewood stack, seal cracks around the windows and foundation, and cut back the shrubs and tree branches. These are all ways that ants can enter the house and build their nests.
The most important tip for The Ant Free Home, is to work with your local pest control professional. Combating ants take a multi-layer, team approach. The best defense is a great offense. Don’t wait to find out that you have an ant problem before it’s too late. If you have an ant problem, Sigma Pest Control has the answer – our Platinum Pest Control solution should do the trick.
The Last Word ...
Ants are a social insect that live in colonies. The most successful treatment plans include killing the entire colony. Just spraying an ant with an over the counter ant spray will only kill a few ants at best; potentially scattering the colony as a result. Do-It-Yourself ant control solutions and home remedies may give the impression they are working (especially in the short term), but they are often ineffective.
Sigma Pest Control Can Help!
Sigma Pest Control staff are trained to help manage ants and similar pests. Keeping ants out of homes and buildings is an ongoing process, not a one-time treatment. That’s why we recommend Sigma’s Quarterly Pest Control Service (QPCS) as the best solution for ant prevention and infestation.
Call (540) 94-SIGMA for a free inspection.
