Ant Infestation – Solutions, Causes, Prevention, and Effective Removal Techniques

Dealing with ant infestations is a common challenge for many people in New Mexico, especially during the warmer months of the year. Have you ever wondered why ants make their way into your home?

Many homeowners in New Mexico believe that most of the ants are attracted towards food, so maintaining a spotless kitchen and home will prevent ant infestations. However, even after all attempts to keep your home clean and spot-free, you’ll still notice that ants keep on creeping all the way into your home.

Let’s figure out what attracts ants to your house and how to prevent ant infestation!

Main Causes of Ant-Infestation and How to Prevent

The pest infestation can be due to several reasons, but when it comes to ants, there are 3 primary factors to consider. Most ants need 3 things:

• Food
• Water
• Shelter

If your house fulfills these needs of ants, you’ve to make strategies to get rid of the infestation.

1.  Ants Get Attracted to Food

Like many other species, ants require a continuous food supply. In South Carolina, many ant species are attracted to the sweet, sugary, and starchy foods commonly found in kitchen pantries. If these items are stored in containers that aren’t properly sealed or that are easily penetrable, such as paper sugar bags or plastic cereal bags, these can readily attract ants into your home.

Possible Prevention Techniques

To prevent ant infestations, remove the potential food sources for ants from your home. Even a spotless kitchen can still attract ants if pantry items aren’t securely stored. It’s always a good practice to keep dry goods, including pet food, in airtight plastic containers. Nothing invites ants quite like delicious dog food left out on the floor.

2.  Ants Get Attracted to Water

Just like any living creature, ants need water to survive, so they’re always in search of available water sources. If there’s stagnant water around or inside your home, it could attract ants and make it easier for them to establish themselves there.

Possible Prevention Techniques

Take a look around your property for any standing water, especially in places like gutters, flowerpots, buckets, and other containers. Make sure to fix any leaks in your faucets or pipes, and check your basement for high humidity levels. If you observe high humidity, you must consider installing a dehumidifier to help keep things dry.

3.  Ants Need Shelter to Reproduce

Ants need shelter to reproduce, and your home can provide the perfect environment for ants to set up a colony. Due to their small size, ants can enter your home through the smallest openings and cracks. Older homes, in particular, often have more cracks in their seals facilitating an easier entry for ants.

How to Prevent?

Although it’s a time taking task, sealing all possible entry points for ants not only stops ant infestation but also can protect your home from other types of pests found in New Mexico. Begin by walking around the exterior of your house, and look for any holes or cracks, especially near the foundation. If you find any damage, consider hiring a professional to handle the repairs.

Next, you need to check for any gaps around cables and pipes and seal them with the right type of caulking. Apply the same principle to your windows and doors by using weatherstripping or caulk to close any openings, helping to prevent the entry of ants and other pests.

Look For Professional Ant Treatment if Needed

According to the National Wildlife Federation, there are over 12,000 ant species worldwide. While most of these ants pose no threat to humans, they can still be carriers of bacteria, which raises potential health concerns. For example, a small study in 2019 found that Monomorium ants can carry pathogenic bacteria, posing a risk to human health.

The prevention tips discussed in this article can greatly reduce the chances of an ant infestation, but it’s hard to guarantee a completely ant-free environment. At this point, you must consult with a professional pest control service.

Dealing with ant infestation problems on your own can be challenging. As there are numerous ant species in New Mexico, a single solution often isn’t enough. Professional pest controllers are equipped to identify the specific types of ants in your home and develop a tailored treatment program.

Are you through doing DIY ant control and are you looking to handle your ant problem effectively right away? Get in touch with experts like those at Parker Pest Services for professional assistance.