Ants are among the most proliferate and most annoying of all household pests. Although the majority of ants make their nests and colonies outside, the workers and foragers can find their ways indoors, especially during extreme heat and cold temperatures and severe weather. There are several ant species commonly seen: argentine ants, carpenter ants, thief ants, odorous house ants, pharaoh ants, and pavement ants. While most ants are just a nuisance and only cause real issues if they end up biting someone, carpenter ants can cause structural damage to homes or businesses when large colonies move in. Ants can also ruin food when they infest pantries and kitchens. This is why Roseville pest control services are essential to eliminate the problem.
Control Inside
Inside the home and the office, good housekeeping practices are the best way to reduce instances of problems with ants. Food particles and grease must be kept cleaned up, because they will attract ants. Foods that ants love to eat such as cookies, pasta, candy, crackers, sugar, jello, chips, and such should be kept tightly sealed in containers such as Ziploc bags and Tupperware containers. Cleaning counters and other surfaces regularly removes the trails forging ants leave down, making it harder for other ants to find their way in. If you have plants indoors, be sure to inspect them often as ants may try to set up nests and colonies in the soil. Baits and traps need to be used and should be placed in out of reach places where kids and pets cannot get to them. You also should make sure there are no leaks in the home as ants can also be attracted to water supplies during dry spells.
Control Outside
Even though ants live outdoors, you can still help reduce the chances of them finding their way into your home. Make sure all tress limbs and shrubs are trimmed back so they do not touch the house. Seal cracks in walls and foundations, caulk around pipes and wires, and seal holes to reduce entry points. Keep garbage cans out of the garage and away from the home as well, so ants are not attracted to the home. You also need to make sure that all gutters stay clean and neat so ants are not tempted to nest down in the leaf litter. Pet food bowls that are placed outside can be set in a small dish of water to create a moat that will keep ants from getting into the food. If you have a compost pile, make sure it is away from the home and also avoid throwing out food scraps for wildlife unless you take it to the far side of the yard away from the home.
