Ant Prevention Tips For Reston Homeowners

It is spring time! It’s time for cookouts, entertaining and ants. Yes, we said ants! Like most things in spring time, even the pests are more active. It is generally a normal occurrence to see ants scurrying about outside but finding them in your home is a different matter altogether.

Ants need a food source nearby for the survival of their colony. If you happen to see ants in the kitchen, then chances are they have chosen your home as a suitable place to forage for rations. There are several DIY solutions and sprays for ants that are easily found at your local hardware store. The problem with over the counter “ant solutions” is that the only ants being eliminated are the ones in search of food. Not to mention, these home remedies to control ants can be quite dangerous to you and your family if mixed or applied improperly. For this reason, getting professional help for these pests is a must!

So, now that we have pointed out why ants aren’t a pest to think lightly of we would also like to share with you how to keep them from becoming a problem in the first place. There are several things you can do around your home to help prevent an ant problem. Since foraging ants are looking for food, the key to prevention is eliminating available food sources. This can be done by:

1. Cleaning food and beverage spills as they happen

2. Keep food prep areas clean

3. Keep your floors swept of crumbs

4. Store food in airtight containers

5. Keep your pantry organized

6. Be sure to keep pet food in an airtight container

7. Be sure and keep countertops and small appliances clean of grease, food debris or crumbs

8. Be sure and take the trash out regularly

Don’t forget about the yard! Ant colonies in the yard are generally where foraging ants come from. So you want to try and prevent their presence on your property altogether. You can do this by:

1. Regularly check all the seals around windows, doors and any cracks in the foundation

2. Keep trees and bushes trimmed so they do not come into contact with the house. This will help get rid of any “bridges” or paths where ants can gain access.

3. Be sure and store any firewood well away from buildings and up off the ground

4. Be sure outdoor trash cans have tight fitting lids and no holes.

Keep in mind an ant problem can develop pretty quickly. The best course of action for any household pest is a pest control professional. Reston pest control and maintenance programs are available with American Pest. The exterminators with American Pest are highly trained. Give us a call today to learn more about how to get rid of ants or any other pests on your property!