A Practical Guide to Keeping Ants Out
You can stop ants from invading your home, but it takes consistent effort and the right approach. This practical ant prevention guide offers useful advice to help you get started. Before reading further, remember that no single strategy fits every situation. You’ll need to assess your particular issue to know what will work. Consider what kind of ant you’re dealing with and what might be drawing them in to decide which prevention methods to try, and whether you might need expert help.
Common Areas Where Ants Appear
Ants tend to show up anywhere food or moisture is available. Even when they wander beyond those spots, they’re usually exploring for a new source to support their colony.
- Bathrooms near toilets, sinks and tubs
- trailing through air vents
- Along the edges of the ceiling, floor boards and baseboards
- Kitchens and pantries
- Dining rooms
- Window and door frames
Tips for Keeping Ants Out of the House
Once ants settle in, they can be tough to remove. That’s why it’s better to stop them before they claim an area. Here are some straightforward tips for prevention:
Stay on Top of Cleaning
One of the best defenses against ants is keeping things tidy. When ants can’t find crumbs or spills, they’ll go somewhere else. Focus especially on food storage areas and high-traffic spots like kitchens.
- Keep your kitchen tidy by cleaning up crumbs and spills as soon as they happen.
- Wipe counters and sweep floors on a regular basis to avoid attracting ants.
- Use soapy water to remove ant trails and prevent others from following the scent.
- Store food in sealed containers to prevent access.
- Refrigerate ripe fruit to keep it from drawing attention.
- Take out the trash often and use garbage cans with secure lids.
- Only leave pet food and water out while your pet is actively eating or drinking to avoid luring ants to the area.
Block Their Way In
Ants will return to any opening that gives them access. That’s why sealing entry points is so important. Look for tiny gaps they might be using.
- Walk around your home’s exterior and look for cracks or openings. Seal up any you come across.
- Take a close look at doors and windows. If there are any gaps, apply weatherstripping to close them off.
- Adding screens to doors and windows can also help keep ants from getting inside.
Keep Your Yard in Shape
Many ant problems begin outside. Maintaining your landscaping can help keep ants far from your home’s foundation.
- Trim back any tree branches or shrubs that brush up against your house, as ants can use them as bridges to get indoors.
- Toss yard debris such as leaves and twigs into the compost instead of letting it accumulate around the yard, where ants could use it as a nest.
- Check for areas of poor drainage and get rid of any standing water. Dry conditions make your yard less inviting to ants.
- Skip organic mulches near your foundation and opt for alternatives like gravel or lava rock.
- Keep firewood stacked a good distance from your home to help deter both ants and termites.
Reduce Indoor Moisture
Ants are drawn to damp places, so reducing indoor humidity can discourage them. Focus on fixing water problems where you find them.
- Repair any leaking pipes and make a habit of checking under sinks for signs of excess moisture. If something seems damp, try to trace the source.
- In areas like basements or crawl spaces where humidity builds up, consider using a dehumidifier.
- Keep your gutters and downspouts maintained to direct water away from your home.
Natural Options for Ant Prevention
It is possible to keep ants away using natural methods, but these are rarely enough if you’re already facing an infestation. Consider using these strategies if you’d like to prevent a future problem. If you’re already facing an ant infestation, take a moment to look at our professional ant extermination.
Essential Oils
Natural oils such as peppermint, citrus (like lemon or orange), and tea tree oil can help keep ants away temporarily. Mix a few drops of your chosen oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around areas where ants are getting in or frequently gathering.
Vinegar
White vinegar is another natural way to throw ants off course. Its sharp scent interferes with the trails ants follow, making it harder for them to navigate. Blend equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply the mix to spots where you’ve noticed ant activity.
Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine, dry powder made from fossilized algae. It’s harmless to pets and people but lethal to ants by drying them out. Sprinkle it in problem areas indoors or around the home’s exterior. If ants keep returning, though, it might indicate a deeper infestation that requires professional attention.
Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds can act as a deterrent when scattered near doorways, windows, or around the edge of your home. Some people find this method effective, but others prefer not to have coffee grounds in view and would rather rely on pest control professionals for a cleaner solution.
Does Professional Ant Prevention Work?
Professionals don’t just handle infestations, they also provide long-term ant prevention. Pest experts can block off access points, treat nesting areas, and apply lasting barriers to help you keep ants out for good.
Contact Bug Out’s team today to request your free estimate.
Need Ant Control?
Are Perimeter Treatments Effective Against Ants?
Absolutely. Pest control technicians often apply perimeter treatments depending on the situation. These treatments include insecticide sprays, bait traps, or repellents placed around the building’s foundation and near potential entry spots. They not only address current ant activity but also stop new colonies from settling in. When applied consistently, perimeter barriers make it much harder for ants to get indoors.
Do I Need Regular Ant Inspections?
Yes, you do. Routine checks are a smart way to catch ant problems before they start. You can do this on your own by scanning for gaps, moisture buildup, and signs of ant trails.
Want professional backup? Our trained experts can perform thorough inspections, monitor pest activity, and apply targeted treatments as needed.
Book an Appointment with an Ant Prevention Expert Today!
Bug Out provides both preventive and responsive ant control for all types of ant species. Whether you’re currently facing a problem or want to stay ahead of one, we’re ready to help.
Reach out today to arrange a free consultation. Say goodbye to pest-related stress and get back to feeling comfortable at home.
Ant Prevention FAQs
What is the best ant repellent?
Natural solutions like peppermint or tea tree oil may help for a short time, but professional treatments are the most effective long-term fix. Pest control services use specialized methods to target ant colonies and eliminate the source of the issue.
What is the best prevention for ants?
The best defense isn’t one specific product, it’s a routine. That includes keeping surfaces clean, food sealed, and moisture under control. Outdoor maintenance, like trimming back vegetation and sealing cracks, also helps. Regular inspections and professional treatments round out a solid prevention plan.
What can I put down to keep ants away?
Short-term DIY solutions like vinegar, borax, essential oils, or DE can temporarily repel ants. But for season-long protection, pest control pros can apply lasting solutions designed to disrupt colonies and stop ants from returning.
How do farmers keep ants away?
Farmers rely on a combination of perimeter applications, beneficial insects, and smart land management. While some also use DE or natural repellents, professional pest control offers the most complete and consistent protection for crops and plants.
How do you make ants go away permanently?
You don’t need to wait for an invasion to begin ant control. Preventative services reduce the likelihood of ants moving in. In the meantime, eliminate food sources, seal up any gaps, and address damp areas. If ants return again and again, it’s time to bring in the experts.