You Have Ants Hiding in Your Home... But Where?

Common Ant Hideouts

Summer is coming, and so are the pests! While many insects and other critters become active during the warmer months, ants take the top spot as the #1 nuisance pest in the United States! If you’re on the lookout for ants in your home this season, chances are you’re not alone. In order to DIY ant control this summer, you’ll need to routinely check areas of your home that commonly become infested.

But where do these little guys like to hang out the most?

Kitchen

Like people, ants think the kitchen is a great hangout spot too! Sweets, treats and moist cracks and crevices make your kitchen the most popular place for them to infest. Make sure you:

• Store sweets like candy, baked goods, sugar, maple syrup, and honey in glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, and wipe down any sticky residue. Our customers have had some success keeping ants away by putting a bay leaf inside dry goods canisters.
• Clean up any food, drink or grease spills as soon as they happen.
• Rinse out food containers before throwing them away or recycling them.
• Don’t let overripe fruit sit in the fruit bowl or on the counters for too long.
• Wash pet food bowls regularly, and store pet food in sealable containers.
• Repair or replace leaky pipes, and eliminate any sources of standing water.

Bathroom

Ants love moisture, and bathrooms are another common place in the home where water can typically accumulate. It’s important to:

• Inspect pipes, toilet, sink, and tub to ensure there are no leaks.
• Occasionally give your bathroom a thorough cleaning with disinfectant. Don’t forget to wipe the insides of drawers!
• Make sure the shampoo and soap bottles are secure, and clean up any spills.

Where Else Could Ants be Hiding?

According to a survey of homeowners done by the National Pest Management Association, these are the other areas in the home where ants are commonly found:

• Inside walls (73%)
• Bedrooms (61%)
• Living Rooms (60%)
• Basements (54%)
• Air conditioning and heating units (37%)

They can fit through even the smallest cracks, so it’s a good idea to seal any openings, fix loose mortar, repair or replace broken screens, and keep shrubbery trimmed back from the house.

Ant colonies can have thousands of members, so ants are considered one of the most difficult pests to control. Don’t forget to try some organic DIY methods to keep them away!

As always, if ants have moved into your home this spring and summer, few know what to do. Our team at Graduate Pest Solutions specializes in prevention. Call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us with any questions or if you are experiencing a pest problem. We have the knowledge and service necessary to help keep your home and workplace pest-free!