Whether it’s a sugary spill, a sticky syrup bottle or the half-eaten banana your toddler dropped on the picnic table, any kind of sweet food attracts Sugar Ants Removal. And once these pesky invaders find their way into your home, they’ll leave a trail of pheromones and set about foraging for food. Thankfully, there are a number of steps you can take to eliminate them and keep them away from your kitchen.
Sugar ant removal is possible without the use of harmful chemicals, and many natural remedies are effective in repelling these pests. However, the most effective way to stop a sugar ant infestation is to call a professional exterminator who can locate and destroy the colony at its source.
When a swarm of sugar ants appears in your kitchen, it’s important to distinguish them from pavement ants (also called Formicary ants). They look very similar and are often mistaken for one another by untrained eyes. The best way to tell them apart is by examining their nodes. Sugar ants have a single node on their abdomens, while pavement ants have two.
Keeping the house clean can help prevent sugar ant invasions. Wipe down counters and floors after meals to remove any traces of food and eliminate the pheromone trails that sugar ants leave behind. Sweep the floor frequently throughout the summer to avoid letting ant droppings build up. Store all food in airtight containers and take the trash out regularly to stop ants from scavenging inside of garbage bags.
In addition to removing the foods that attract sugar ants, it’s also a good idea to remove their water sources. Ants need water to survive, so leaky pipes, sinks that are full of dishes or condensation on windows can draw them in. Seal leaky pipes and make sure that your garbage disposal is tightly sealed.
A good alternative to using poison to kill ants is to place a commercial ant bait near the areas that are attracting them. These ant traps can come in the form of gels, granules or stations and contain ingredients that lure ants in, then poison them when they consume it. Place ant bait around the areas where you’ve seen ants, such as on your countertops or in the pantry.
Other natural ways to repel ants include spraying the area with vinegar, which has a strong odor that can deter them, or spreading used coffee grounds around the home. Ants dislike the smell of the coffee and are deterred by its acidic properties.
Despite these precautions, it’s not always possible to prevent sugar ants from entering your home. If you do notice an ant problem, call Gregory for an integrated and green approach to pest control. We’ll provide long-term solutions that protect your family and the environment, including preventative services and safe chemical treatments to keep ants at bay. To learn more, contact us or visit our website. We have over 40 years of experience serving our customers’ pest control needs!