Ants Ready to Bug Homeowners this Spring

Pest Prevention Tips to Keep Ants from Marching Indoors

Spring is officially here and with it comes one of the most persistent warm-weather pests – ants. As temperatures continue to rise, McCloud Services, warns that America’s number one nuisance pest will invade homes this spring in search of food. While most species present problems in people’s pantries and kitchens, some species can deliver painful bites while others inflict property damage. According to a survey from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), more than half of consumers list ants as their top pest concern.

“As most homeowners know, ants are especially drawn to the kitchen and their sheer numbers can be daunting” said Patricia Hottel, technical director of McCloud Services. Pavement ants and carpenter ants are most likely to invade Chicagoland homes this spring, but eliminating food sources can help keep them at bay. Of all the U.S. ant species, carpenter ants can pose the most risks for homeowners. Carpenter ants excavate wood in order to build their nests, which can compromise a home’s structural soundness.

Although ants can be difficult to control once they have entered a home, the following preventative measures can play a major role in helping to avoid infestations:

Wipe up crumbs and food immediately
Store garbage in sealed containers and remove from the home frequently
Keep food packages closed or sealed and store products in air-tight containers
Avoid leaving food out on the counter or pet food out on the floor for long periods of time
Repair holes or gaps around windows and doors which might permit ant entry
Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home including entry points for utilities and pipes
Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the house
Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows
If you suspect an ant or any pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect, identify and treat the problem

Ants Ready to Bug Homeowners this Spring

Pest Prevention Tips to Keep Ants from Marching Indoors

Although ants can be difficult to control once they have entered a home, the following preventative measures can play a major role in helping to avoid infestations:

Wipe up crumbs and food immediately

Store garbage in sealed containers and remove from the home frequently

Keep food packages closed or sealed and store products in air-tight containers

Avoid leaving food out on the counter or pet food out on the floor for long periods of time

Repair holes or gaps around windows and doors which might permit ant entry

Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home including entry points for utilities and pipes

Keep tree branches and shrubbery well-trimmed and away from the house

Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows

If you suspect an ant or any pest infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect, identify and treat the problem