Learn the art of ant control in Georgia
Have you ever opened your pantry door and found a hoard of crawling specks sprinkled all over the floor and walls? Or maybe you've spent hours in the kitchen smushing ants crawling across your countertops, unsure of where they're even coming from. Ant control is a task every homeowner prays will never fall onto their to-do list, but when ants become a problem in your home, they become a big problem fast.
You may think that because the weather is getting colder, ants will no longer be something to worry about, but that's not the case. It is possible to still have an ant infestation in your home during the fall and winter, so we wanted to share why ants are in your house and how to get rid of ants when you find them.
Why Are Ants In My House?
Since Georgia fall weather tends to stay more mild until almost winter, ants remain active above ground, which means that Georgia homeowners will likely be dealing with them indoors for longer than anticipated. Unlike mosquitoes and flies, ants will not "disappear" because temperatures have fallen out of the 80s and 90s.
Once cold temperatures move in permanently for the winter, ants have to adapt. Ants are one of many insects that seek a warm place to hunker down for the cold winter months. During fall, you may find an ant here or there around your house. These are likely scouting ants, on the hunt for a warm shelter for their ant colony. If they decide your house fits the bill, scouting ants will lay down a pheromone trail to signal the other ants in the colony to start moving in.
How Do I Get Rid of Ants?
Getting rid of ants in your house is a task no homeowner enjoys, but if you put in the work and do some regular "maintenance," your home will stay ant-free. Here are some steps you can take to get rid of any ants in your home:
Roll up the welcome mat: Ants are persistent and will find any and every entrance point into your home so they can gain access to warmth and food for their colony. Check the exterior of your home for any cracks or holes, especially at ground level. Keep all bushes, shrubs, and trees trimmed and off the exterior of your home. Inspect the door and window seals around your home to make sure there aren't gaps or holes.
Eliminate any food and water source for ants: When it comes to ant control, the best method to keep ants out of your home is to keep any chance of them finding food or water off the table. It's no surprise that the most common places where ant infestations begin are places where food is present, like pantries and kitchens. Keep all stored food in airtight containers or securely sealed. (This will not only help with ant control but also rodent control and other insects!) Standing water or leaks around your home will also be a draw to ants, especially when we experience long stretches of no rain in the forecast. Check all pipes around your home and make sure to address any leaks or cracks immediately.
Know when to call in backup: There are many DIY tricks and self-treat products for ant control. Ant bait traps are popular and affordable products that seem to offer immediate results, but you have to keep in mind that you're not addressing the entire problem when you use these traps. Ants that are in your home in the winter are likely living in a place where bait traps won't be effective, like in your walls or sub-floors. If you want to completely rid your home of ants, you have to find and fix all points of entry and sources of sustenance. For quick results that will actually last, enlist the help of professional pest management providers. If you live in the metro-Atlanta area, BREDA Pest Management will answer your call 24/7/365. We will get rid of the ants in your home, and if they return within 90 days of treatment, we will re-treat your home FOR FREE.
If you find yourself needing pest control and want it handled thoroughly, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to fix your pest problem and keep it fixed—no matter the circumstances. Schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
