Finding ants in your home is not fun. To start with, some ants sting, depending on where you live and what kind you have. Ants can attract other bugs to your home. And lastly, some ants destroy wood and can cause damage to your food and home. In the beginning, there may be one or two ants. And then all of a sudden, there is an infestation. What can you do to help prevent them from the beginning?
Keep your home clean. Vacuum often, not only the floors but also your furniture, especially under sofa cushions where crumbs collect. Clean your kitchen counters each day, removing crumbs and sticky juices. Do not leave dirty dishes out overnight. Check your pet’s food bowls, as ants sometimes are attracted to the food there. Take out your garbage and recyclables regularly, and clean the containers. Store food, especially sugar items, in airtight containers.
Natural agents like peppermint oil, vinegar, or citrus scents can be used to deter ants. But you may need to buy ant bait from the store or online. The agent you use may be different depending on what type of ants you are dealing with. It’s important to address ant issues immediately because they can multiply quickly.
