Ant infestations are common in the UK and we’re especially likely to see ants in our homes and gardens during the summer months. If you have ever seen an ants’ nest, you will be well aware that these little insects don’t gather in small numbers.
While colony sizes can vary hugely depending on the species, you can typically expect to see anything from hundreds up to thousands of ants in one single infestation. As you can imagine, it’s important to deal with an ant problem as soon as possible if you want to avoid sharing your home with huge swarms of these creatures.
What exactly should you do if you notice an ant problem in your house?
Find the entry point
Most people think the first thing they should do is treat the ant infestation but it’s actually a better idea to identify how they’re getting into your home first. This way you can block any entry points and stop more insects coming in.
Because ants can fit through even tiny gaps, it may take a bit of time to work out where they’re coming from. The best way to do this is to observe them when they’re on the move but entry points are most likely to be in inner house walls, window frames or small cracks or holes in the building structure.
Once you’ve discovered how they’re getting in, seal it and clean it. If an open window is the source of the problem, consider installing a screen so you can still get fresh air without letting in pests.
Locate the ants’ nest
Once you’ve figured out where the ants are coming from, it should be pretty easy to find the nest because chances are it’s nearby. If you target ants on an individual basis, you’ll be fighting a losing battle which is why it’s important to find the nest. Eliminate the nest and you’ll eliminate the entire problem.
Lure ants with bait
A plate of sweet, sticky food such as honey or syrup will do a great job of attracting them. Fried foods can do the trick as well but different things work better at different times of the year so do some experimenting. You will notice an increase in the number of ants but don’t be alarmed. This is actually a good thing because the more ants you have carrying poison back to the nest, the more ants you can eliminate.
You can buy ant poison from most supermarkets or DIY shops – simply place it by your bait stations and ants will carry it back to their nest.
Some natural ways to eliminate an ant infestation include:
- Put mint around entry points and around the perimeter of your home – this is a natural insect repellent.
- Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray directly onto ants when you see them.
- Ants leave scent trails when they find food so you need to eliminate these to prevent them from coming back. You can do this using disinfectant, bleach or a solution of one part lemon juice to three parts water.
If you have an ant infestation, the most effective removal method is to call a professional pest controller. They will also be able to give you advice which can help prevent future outbreaks. To book your free pest control audit by getting in touch with us today either via our online form or by calling us on 0800 328 9354.
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