Noticing some new six-legged visitors in your home? If you’re experiencing an ant infestation in Bartlesville, OK, discovering the cause of the problem is key to keeping these tiny insects from invading your property. Here are five common reason’s you’re having an ant problem in the home, and what you need to do to eliminate it.
You’re improperly storing food
One of the main causes of an ant infestation is improper food storage. Like all other living creatures, tiny ants need food to survive—that’s why the most common place to spot an ant problem in the home is in the kitchen. A wide variety of foods attract ants, including sugary snacks, bread, crackers and more. Luckily, if this is the cause of your ant infestation in Bartlesville, OK, it’s pretty easy to get things under control. Be mindful of how you store your food. It’s best to keep crackers, cereals and other foods in airtight containers, and try to keep fruits in the refrigerator.
You’re not cleaning up spills
Left-behind grease or residue from food or drinks is also an attractive snack for ants. If you’re not properly cleaning up spills in the kitchen or anywhere else around the house, you could be inviting ants to come right in and make themselves at home. Wipe down counters, the stovetop and even the sides of your food storage containers. Maintain a good standard of cleanliness throughout your house and your space should stay ant free.
You need to clean your garbage cans
While you might take great care to quickly remove trash from inside your home, there can be some lingering residue on your garbage cans. Clean the bins out regularly and be sure to always rinse food storage waste before throwing it in your trash cans.
You have leaky pipes and faucets
Some species of ants need a source of water to survive, which means they could make your home their own if you have leaky pipes or faucets. Inspect toilets and sinks for leaks and look for other moisture throughout the home to make sure ants can’t find any water sources.
You have rotting wood in or around your home
Ants are attracted to rotting wood both within your home’s structure and in the surrounding landscaping. Carpenter ants are one of the most troublesome species of ant. They make their homes in moist or decaying wood, and the damage they cause can even threaten the structural integrity of your house. It’s also smart to install a gravel buffer around your home’s foundation, keeping it dry and preventing bugs from getting too close.
An ant infestation at your Bartlesville, OK home can be annoying, and once the ants have moved in, it’s tough to get them out. It’s always smart to rely on a professional pest control service to get rid of the problem as quickly as possible. Contact Excellence Pest Control today to get a handle on ants and other problem pests that could be hiding throughout your home.