Step-By-Step Guide To Effective Ant Control For Your Western Massachusetts Home

August 7, 2020

In: Ants

We have so many ants in Massachusetts. So many. You shouldn't be surprised when you try to identify an ant in your yard and come away from the internet more confused than when you began. You should also not be surprised when you fail to get rid of your ant problem because you used a method that works for another type of ant. Getting control of ants can be difficult, especially when they start to appear inside your home. Today, we're going to offer up a step-by-step guide to effective ant control for Easthampton and Western Massachusetts.

Step 1: Understanding The Role Moisture Plays

The first step in ant control is knowing why ants come near to your home and why they get inside your home. There are many things that can lure ants to your home, but moisture is on the top of the list.

Here are five facts every Massachusetts homeowner should know about moisture:

• Many pests need moisture to survive, and these pests can be a food source for ants.

• Moisture can cause plants to become sickly, which can attract plant-damaging pests and the ants that eat them.

• Moisture is a catalyst for aphid problems, and aphids create honeydew which is a highly sought-after food source for many ants.

• Moisture causes wood rot which attracts many ants, particularly carpenter ants.

• Some pests eat mold and fungus, and ants eat these pests.

Step 2: Getting Control Of Moisture Control

If you want fewer ants around your home, the first step is moisture control. These tips will get you started:

• Make sure your gutter system is in good repair and working properly.

• Trim bushes and shrubs to allow for better airflow and sun exposure for soil.

• Water your landscaping in the early morning to let the sun do its job of drying up moisture on topsoil.

• Fix any plumbing issues that can cause puddles to form near your home.

• Remove organic debris that can promote moisture underneath.

Step 3: Keeping Ants Out

When ants get near your home—and they will—it is important that they don't find easy access. There are many common ways ants get in.

• Do a detailed inspection of your exterior doors. Replace weatherstripping that has gaps. Fill in holes in your frames. Seal gaps around your frames. Install door sweeps if you don't have them.

• Do a detailed inspection of windows. Replace or repair damaged screens. Fill in holes in frames. Seal gaps around frames. Fix damaged window panes.

• Do a detailed inspection of your foundation wall. Seal gaps around pipes and other penetrations. Seal cracks in the cement. Install weep hole protectors.

Step 4: Resisting Interior Infestation

There are two reasons most ant infestations occur: Ants find food or ants find moisture. You can resist interior ant infestations by reducing food and moisture.

• Keep your kitchen and pantry clean.

• Clean up spills immediately.

• Put pantry foods in sealed plastic containers.

• Don't leave fruit out on the kitchen island, counters, or table.

• Put dirty dishes in soapy water, rather than next to the sink in a stack.

• Fix leaky faucets.

• Fix damaged pipes or your garbage disposal seal.

• Remove trash routinely and keep your trash receptacle clean.

Adding Extra Protection

Once you've done what you can do (or before) contact American Pest Solutions to begin a residential pest control plan that is customized for your specific needs and budget. When you have ongoing pest control service for the exterior of your home, you'll have fewer ants living near your home and accidentally getting inside your home. This extra protection can make life a whole lot easier and more enjoyable. Most importantly, it can protect your home from carpenter ant damage, which can become a serious threat to your equity. Reach out to us today to get started.